Online quiz on culture, curiosities and smart challenges

The Viparita Karani pose is performed by lying on the back with the legs extended vertically, using the wall for support. Although often associated with beginners, it is recognized for providing significant benefits to a wide range of practitioners.
The position reduces the effort of the deep trunk muscles and relieves the lower back, making it a safe option for older adults and those recovering from physical strain. In many classes, props such as cushions and blocks are used to adjust the hips and make holding the pose more comfortable.
The practice also slows the heart rate, improves venous return from the legs, and serves as a natural way to release tensions accumulated throughout the day. It is often used as a transition before more intense sequences or at the end of sessions focused on body awareness. The recommendation is to remain still for a few minutes, paying attention to the breath and allowing the body to relax gradually.

The clash between Flamengo and Palmeiras has become one of the most compelling matchups in recent Libertadores history. Flamengo brings its explosive attack, star-studded squad, and a fan base that treats every decisive match as destiny. Palmeiras counters with tactical discipline, competitive consistency, and the experience earned from deep tournament runs. The final in Lima adds another layer of intrigue. It was there that Flamengo lived one of its most iconic nights, and returning to this stage revives emotions and expectations. For Palmeiras, winning in such a symbolic setting offers the chance to write a new chapter for a club accustomed to big finals. More than just a game, Flamengo vs Palmeiras has come to represent a golden era of the Libertadores: two giants, two contrasting identities, and a trophy that constantly passes through them. Every meeting feels like a portrait of Brazilian football at its highest level.

Yoga has emerged not only as a physical practice but as a complete lifestyle, integrating mindful eating, proper sleep, and healthy habits. More than exercise, its techniques encourage mindfulness, self-care, and emotional balance, promoting overall well-being in modern life. The practice can be adapted for different groups, including children, seniors, pregnant women, and people with disabilities, making yoga accessible to all bodies and needs. Postures, breathing techniques, and meditation can be adjusted to each level, ensuring safety and effective benefits. Scientific studies confirm yoga’s positive effects: it helps reduce stress, improves posture, increases flexibility, and supports emotional balance. In addition, regular practice enhances body awareness, strength, and stability, becoming an effective tool for managing a fast-paced routine and the challenges of modern living. Thus, yoga stands as a path that unites body, mind, and healthy habits, showing that self-care goes far beyond the physical, reflecting in quality of life and holistic well-being.

The long-awaited 5th season of Stranger Things, which will mark the end of the series, already has a confirmed date and promises an epic conclusion. Netflix has announced that it will feature eight episodes, released in three parts. This final season takes place in the fall of 1987, with a time jump from the events of season 4. Hawkins is under military quarantine, Eleven must stay hidden, and the hunt for Vecna intensifies, even though he has disappeared. The creators, the Duffer brothers, have stated that they always knew how the ending would be — they’ve been planning one of the final scenes for six or seven years, aiming to deliver an emotional conclusion worthy of the series’ journey. Returning to the cast are names like Millie Bobby Brown (Eleven), Finn Wolfhard (Mike), and David Harbour (Hopper), along with new additions such as Linda Hamilton, promising to heighten the drama of this final chapter. According to the producers, all the mysteries of the “Upside Down” — from Vecna to the Demogorgons and other unresolved arcs — will be answered this season, culminating in a decisive final battle.

The municipality of Oeiras, known for its beaches, cliffs, and historical heritage, has recently become a prominent setting for Portuguese television. The series “O Grito”, directed by Leonel Vieira and starring Daniela Ruah and Sara Matos, was entirely filmed in Oeiras, transforming familiar locations into scenes of suspense and mystery.
Among the locations used are the Parque dos Poetas, with its sculptures and peaceful trails; the Passeio Marítimo de Algés, offering stunning views over the Tagus River; and the Praia da Torre, which combines the power of the waves with the serenity of small coves. Each site was carefully chosen to reflect the intense atmosphere of the narrative, presenting Oeiras in a way that is new for many residents and visitors.
Beyond entertainment, the series highlights the municipality's potential as a versatile filming location, capable of hosting high-quality productions. The presence of “O Grito” demonstrates that, alongside history, culture, and nature, Oeiras is also a stage for stories told through cinema and television.

The Earth is composed of several layers that differ in composition, temperature, and physical properties. At the core, located at the center of the planet, there are two parts: the inner core, solid and primarily made of iron and nickel, and the outer core, liquid, responsible for generating Earth’s magnetic field. Above the core lies the mantle, a thick layer of hot and semi-solid rocks that move slowly, causing phenomena such as volcanoes and earthquakes. The outermost part is the crust, thin and rigid, where we live; it is divided into the continental crust, thicker and composed of granite, and the oceanic crust, thinner and made of basalt. Between the crust and the mantle is the asthenosphere, a partially melted region that allows tectonic plates to move. These layers constantly interact, shaping the planet’s surface, forming mountains, valleys, volcanoes, and oceans. Studying Earth’s structure is essential to understanding natural phenomena, exploring mineral resources, and assessing geological risks. In this way, the planet reveals a continuous internal dynamic that sustains life and transforms the landscape over time.

The poem “Jabberwocky” is Lewis Carroll’s most famous nonsense poem, included in Through the Looking-Glass, and What Alice Found There (1871). It mixes invented words with poetic sound, creating a fantastic atmosphere full of imagination.
Jabberwocky
It was brillig, and the slithy toves
did gyre and gimble in the wabe;
all mimsy were the borogoves,
and the mome raths outgrabe.
“Beware the Jabberwock, my son!
The jaws that bite, the claws that catch!
Beware the Jubjub bird, and shun
the frumious Bandersnatch!”
He took his vorpal sword in hand;
long time the manxome foe he sought—
so rested he by the Tumtum tree
and stood awhile in thought.
And as in uffish thought he stood,
the Jabberwock, with eyes of flame,
came whiffling through the tulgey wood,
and burbled as it came!
One, two! One, two! And through and through
the vorpal blade went snicker-snack!
He left it dead, and with its head
he went galumphing back.
“And hast thou slain the Jabberwock?
Come to my arms, my beamish boy!
O frabjous day! Callooh! Callay!”
He chortled in his joy.
It was brillig, and the slithy toves
did gyre and gimble in the wabe;
all mimsy were the borogoves,
and the mome raths outgrabe.

The horror classic Poltergeist (1982), directed by Tobe Hooper and produced by Steven Spielberg, became famous not only for its chilling story but also for the so-called “Poltergeist curse.” Over the years, several cast and crew members died young and, in many cases, under mysterious circumstances, fueling legends surrounding the production.
Heather O’Rourke, who played little Carol Anne, died at just 12 years old due to unexpected medical complications, while Dominique Dunne, who portrayed Dana, was murdered by her ex-boyfriend shortly after filming. Other actors and individuals connected to the movie also suffered untimely deaths, many attributed to sudden illnesses or tragic accidents, deepening the aura of mystery around the film.
Experts and horror fans alike point out that these tragedies, combined with the paranormal events depicted on screen, contributed to Poltergeist becoming an urban legend in the world of cinema. The blend of terror in the story and real-life misfortunes turned the film into a true icon of the genre, evoking both fascination and fear decades after its release.

It all started with Adam and Eve, the first man and woman created by God. They lived in the Garden of Eden, a beautiful and perfect place. But one day, they disobeyed God and ate the forbidden fruit. This teaches us how important it is to obey God and do what is right.
Next, we have the amazing story of Moses! He was chosen by God to free the people of Israel from slavery in Egypt. With God’s help, Moses opened the Red Sea, and the people walked through on dry ground! Wow! Can you imagine seeing the sea split open? This story shows how God takes care of those who trust in Him.
And we can’t forget David and Goliath. David was a young shepherd boy who faced the giant Goliath with just a stone and a sling. He wasn’t afraid because he knew God was with him. And he won! This story shows that even if we are small, we can overcome big challenges when we trust in God.

The June festivals in Sweden, known as Midsommarafton, are considered the most important national celebrations in the country, surpassing even Christmas in popular participation. Held between June 20 and 26, Friday is the traditional day for the celebration, marked by several typical traditions.
One of the central symbols of the festival is the majstången — a maypole decorated with flowers and leaves, erected in the center of the villages, around which participants dance in a circle. This tradition has common roots with the Maypole of the Germanic peoples and is linked to fertility and the renewal of nature.
During Midsommarafton, people dress in rural clothes, sing traditional carols and celebrate with typical seasonal foods, such as strawberries and potatoes. Charms are also part of the festival, especially among young women, who make bouquets with seven or nine flowers to dream about their future husbands.
In addition, popular belief says that the herbs harvested at this time have special powers and that the water from the springs brings health. Houses are decorated with flowers and leaves to attract luck. Big cities like Stockholm and Gothenburg are almost empty, as Swedes take refuge in their summer homes to celebrate the date. The traditional balloons of the festival, however, often cause accidents.

The big news for the 2025 edition of the Club World Cup will be the presence of Inter Miami CF, a club from the United States, which has secured a spot as the host country's representative. The North American team, which gained notoriety with the arrival of star Lionel Messi in 2023, secured its qualification by winning the 2024 MLS Supporters' Shield, an award given to the team with the best record in the regular season of Major League Soccer (MLS).
This spot, a first for the club and exclusive to the team from the host country, marks an important participation for soccer in the United States, which is on the rise with the increase in interest in big international stars and the growth of domestic competitions. In addition, the presence of Inter Miami CF in the tournament puts North American soccer in the spotlight, attracting even more audiences and sponsors to the sport in the country.
Inter Miami's qualification also represents the importance of a competitive championship like MLS, which is beginning to consolidate itself as a relevant league on the global stage. The club will now have the chance to face some of the best teams in the world at the 2025 Club World Cup, with the hope of making its mark on the tournament's history.

To choose the perfect beer, try different styles and brands, take food pairings into account and consider flavors, acidity and alcohol content. For example, for pasta, choose Dark Lager, Strong Ale or Pilsner, while for barbecue, opt for Pilsner, Stout or Brown Ale. Seafood pairs well with English Pale Ale, Amber Ale, Hefeweizen and Witbier, and for desserts, choose Stout, Porter or Fruit Lambic. Cheeses can be paired with a variety of beers, but dark beers like porter and stout generally work well. If it is vegetarian food, Pilsner is a good choice due to the variety of vegetarian ingredients.
On the Syndicato blog, you can find more tips on ideal combinations.

Opened in 1978, the Volta Redonda Municipal Zoo has established itself as one of the largest and most important spaces for environmental preservation and leisure in the state of Rio de Janeiro. Located in the Vila Santa Cecília neighborhood, the site was created with the aim of providing contact with nature in the middle of an industrial city, offering environmental education to the population and protecting wildlife.
With more than 300 animals of different species — including birds, mammals and reptiles — the zoo has become a regional reference in veterinary care and conservation programs. Highlights include the immersion aviary and the themed spaces aimed at educating children about the importance of biodiversity and the environment.
In addition to its educational function, the zoo is one of the most visited tourist attractions in the city, receiving thousands of visitors each year. The space has trails, picnic areas and playgrounds, integrating leisure and environmental awareness.
Over the years, the Volta Redonda Zoo has undergone renovations and structural improvements, reaffirming its role not only as a tourist destination, but also as a symbol of the relationship between urban development and environmental sustainability.

Realism / Naturalism / Parnassianism (19th century)
Machado de Assis (Dom Casmurro) – Brazil
Eça de Queirós (Cousin Basil) – Portugal
Gustave Flaubert (Madame Bovary) – France
Lima Barreto (The Sad End of Policarpo Quaresma) – Brazil
Olavo Bilac – Parnassian poetry – Brazil
Émile Zola – French naturalism
Modernism (20th century – until 1945)
James Joyce (Ulysses) – Ireland
Virginia Woolf (Mrs. Dalloway) – England
Franz Kafka (The Metamorphosis) – Czechoslovakia
Mário de Andrade (Macunaíma) – Brazil
Oswald de Andrade (Anthropophagic Manifesto) – Brazil
Carlos Drummond de Andrade – Modern poetry – Brazil
Contemporary (post-1945 to present)
Clarice Lispector (The Hour of the Star) – Brazil
Gabriel García Márquez (One Hundred Years of Solitude) – Colombia
José Saramago (Blindness) – Portugal
Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie – Nigeria, post-colonial literature
Haruki Murakami – Japan, modern surrealism
Conceição Evaristo – Brazil, Afro-Brazilian literature
Margaret Atwood (The Handmaid's Tale) – Canada

Inversion is when the normal order of words in a sentence is changed, usually for emphasis, style, or to create a specific grammatical structure.
- Normally, the order in English is:
Subject + Verb + Complement
Example: She had never seen such a thing.
With inversion, we change this:
- Negative adverbials These expressions force an inversion when placed at the beginning of the sentence:
Examples:
- Never had she seen such a beautiful sunset.
- Rarely do we get such an opportunity.
- Not only did he win, but he also broke the record.
- Expressions of place.
Inversion sometimes happens with verbs of movement:
- On the hill stood a lonely cabin.
- Into the room walked the professor.
- Conditional structures (conditions)
Instead of using if , you can use formal inversion:
- Had I known, I would have helped.

Since ancient times, the Hebrew prophets have foretold the coming of a Messiah—a messenger from God who would bring salvation to His people. One of the most striking of these prophecies is found in Isaiah 53, which describes a “suffering servant” who would be rejected, punished for the transgressions of others, and through his suffering, bring healing and peace. Despite his apparent defeat, this servant would be exalted by God.
Centuries later, Christians see the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ as the exact fulfillment of these words. Unjustly crucified, Jesus took on suffering for the sake of humanity and, when he rose again on the third day, was glorified, confirming his identity as the promised Messiah. For believers, his resurrection is proof that God’s ancient promises have been fully fulfilled.
For Christians, Jesus not only fulfilled Isaiah 53, but also several other messianic prophecies scattered throughout the Old Testament, such as in Psalms and Daniel. Easter, therefore, celebrates not only a historical event, but the fulfillment of a prophetic hope: the Messiah came, suffered, died and conquered death to offer eternal salvation to all who believe.

1. Basic Structure:
Question Word + Auxiliary Verb + Subject + Main Verb + Complement?
2. Questions with What - We use it for: things, actions or general information.
- What is your name?
- What do you want to eat?
3. Questions with Where - We use it for: places.
- Where do you live?
- Where is the bank?
4. Questions with When - We use it for: time and dates.
- When is your birthday? (When is your birthday?)
- When does the movie start?
5. Questions with Who - We use it for: people.
- Who is your best friend?
- Who called you?
Attention! If Who is the subject of the sentence, you don't need an auxiliary:
- Who likes ice cream? → No does!
6. Questions with Why - We use it for: the reason for something.
- Why are you sad?
7. Questions with How - We use it for: manner, condition or state.
- How are you?

THE pulque is a traditional fermented beverage made from the juice extracted from the agave plant, which has been consumed by the indigenous peoples of Mexico for centuries. With its unique, slightly sour flavor, pulque has a rich history linked to the ancient Aztec and Toltec civilizations, who used agave to produce alcoholic beverages in religious ceremonies and celebrations.
Pulque production begins with the extraction of "miel de agave" (agave honey), which is naturally fermented to produce the beverage. Over time, pulque came to be consumed in a variety of ways, and during the colonial era it became a common drink among the working classes of Mexico, although it has lost popularity over the years in favor of more modern drinks such as tequila and mezcal.
Pulque was considered a sacred drink by the Aztecs and could only be consumed by priests, warriors or nobles. Its popularity has remained, especially in rural areas, and today it is consumed mainly in central and southern Mexico, often served in pulquerias, places that specialize in the drink.
Although it is not as common as it once was, pulque remains one of the most representative drinks of Mexican culture, connecting Mexicans with their historical and traditional roots.

THE Canadian whiskey It is widely recognized for its smoothness and elegance, winning admirers around the world. Its history dates back to the country's first settlers, who brought whisky distillation techniques from Europe. However, it was in Canada that whisky gained its own identity, characterized by its lightness and versatility, which makes it a perfect drink to be enjoyed neat, on the rocks or in cocktails.
Whisky production in Canada spread across the provinces, but it was in Ontario and Quebec that the first distilleries began producing this spirit commercially, in the 19th century. Over time, Canada has established itself as one of the largest whisky producers in the world.
Brands such as Crown Royal, which was created in 1939 to celebrate the visit of King George VI and Queen Elizabeth to Canada, are examples of how Canadian whisky has deep roots in the country's history. This particular whisky is known for its smooth blend, composed primarily of corn, which gives it a smoother, sweeter flavor than other types of whisky.
Today, Canadian whisky is a prestigious drink, widely enjoyed both in cocktails and in its pure form, and remains one of the country's most representative and respected alcoholic beverages.

The Casa Rosada, the seat of the Argentine government, is one of the most emblematic buildings in Buenos Aires. Its history dates back to the 16th century, when the site housed a Spanish fort to protect the city. Over time, the building was renovated and, in the 19th century, under the government of Domingo Faustino Sarmiento, it acquired its iconic pink color, which symbolized the union between the Unitarians (white) and Federalists (red), rival political factions at the time.
Located in Plaza de Mayo, the Casa Rosada has been the scene of historic events, such as speeches by Juan and Eva Perón, as well as notable political demonstrations. Today, in addition to being the center of executive power, the site houses the Casa Rosada Museum, where you can see presidential objects, antique furniture and exhibits on Argentine history.
Visitors can take free guided tours of the historic rooms, the famous presidential balcony and explore the palace's rich architecture. An essential tour for anyone wanting to understand Argentine politics and culture.

Opened in 1819, the Prado Museum (Museo del Prado) is one of the largest and most prestigious art museums in the world. Located in the heart of Madrid, Spain, it was founded by King Ferdinand VII to display the royal collections. The neoclassical building that houses it was designed by Juan de Villanueva and later expanded by other architects, such as Rafael Moneo.
With more than 8,000 works of art, the museum is famous for its vast collection of European painting, notably works by masters such as Diego Velázquez, Francisco Goya, El Greco, Peter Paul Rubens and Hieronymus Bosch. In addition to paintings, the Prado also houses sculptures, drawings and decorative arts.
Considered the main museum in Madrid and one of the most important in Europe, the Prado attracts millions of visitors annually. Its impressive collection and contribution to the preservation of classical art make the Prado Museum a must-see for any art lover visiting the city.

Catalan is the official language of Barcelona, ​​and learning a few expressions can enrich any tourist's experience. Here are some useful phrases:
Bon dia – Good morning
Bona tarda – Good afternoon
Bona nit – Good evening
Com estàs? – How are you?
Molt bé, gràcies – Very well, thank you
On és el lavabo? – Where is the bathroom?
Què tal? – How are you?
Quant costa? – How much does it cost?
Tinc gana/sede – I'm hungry/thirsty
Un cafè si us plau– A coffee, please
Perdona, on està...? – Excuse me, where is...?
Si us plau – Please
Gràcies – Thank you
Adéu – Goodbye
Em pots ajudar? – Can you help me?
M'agrada – I like it
Although many in Barcelona speak Spanish, using Catalan is a sign of respect for the local culture, and the Barcelonans will certainly appreciate the effort.