Joanne Paiva
Author for A-Z Animals

Koi is the informal name for Nishikigoi meaning “swimming jewel” in Japanese. Asian cultures commonly keep koi in outdoor ponds as they symbolize longevity and prosperity. Meticulously bred and collected… Read More

By Joanne Paiva 3 months ago

February typically falls in the coldest part of winter. However, it also signifies spring is on the way, and temperatures start warming up a bit. While some states offer fantastic… Read More

By Joanne Paiva 3 months ago

What Does NATO Stand For? Established during the Cold War, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) is a collective defense group meant to counter the Soviet Union. This security alliance… Read More

By Joanne Paiva 3 months ago

Wrinkled skin and floppy ears are their signature trademark. Originally bred as a “scent hound," bloodhounds are not just working dogs; their temperament makes them great family pets known for… Read More

By Joanne Paiva 3 months ago

From Ancient Times In 685 BC, Greek settlers from Megara colonized Byzantium or Byzantion. The name comes from the King of Byzas of Magara. This important trading center was located… Read More

By Joanne Paiva 3 months ago

Throughout the world, tea is a popular beverage, as well as an important part of many cultures, rituals, and traditions. Today, it is an important cash crop in many countries,… Read More

By Joanne Paiva 3 months ago

Vermont is one of six New England states in the northeastern region of the United States. Initially, it was part of New France, a North American French territory. Its tranquil… Read More

By Joanne Paiva 3 months ago

The province of Ontario in east-central Canada shares its southern border with the Great Lakes and the United States. Winter here is cold and snowy because temperatures can reach below… Read More

By Joanne Paiva 3 months ago

The state of Texas is the second largest state in the union. They are famous for their cowboy culture, southern hospitality, and diverse landscapes. Most of the coldest places in… Read More

By Joanne Paiva 3 months ago

The Land of Enchantment, New Mexico's nickname, became the 47th state in the union in 1912 and is 121,590 mi2. As a result, it is the fifth largest state in… Read More

By Joanne Paiva 3 months ago

British Columbia is the westernmost province of Canada. Here you will find large areas of protected green space and thousands of miles of coastlines. Victoria on Vancouver Island is its… Read More

By Joanne Paiva 3 months ago

Alaska is the 49th state of the union, joining in 1959, and interestingly, it has no land borders with the U.S. However, this far northern land is full of breathtaking… Read More

By Joanne Paiva 3 months ago

Arizona is known for the Grand Canyon, which earns it the nickname "the Grand Canyon State." However, the canyon is only one of the most awe-inspiring landmarks Arizona offers. Here,… Read More

By Joanne Paiva 4 months ago

New York is one of the 13 original colonies and the 27th state in the union which was established in 1782. Most importantly, it is known for New York City… Read More

By Joanne Paiva 4 months ago

The Sahara Desert spans the continent of North Africa from the Atlantic Ocean in the west to the Red Sea in the east and the Mediterranean Sea to the north… Read More

By Joanne Paiva 4 months ago

Vermont is a popular destination for those in search of beautiful wilderness terrain. However, it is the smallest state in the New England area but it has a lot to… Read More

By Joanne Paiva 4 months ago

New Hampshire is rich in history; in fact, it was the first state to declare independence from England in 1775. It is the most northern of the original thirteen states.… Read More

By Joanne Paiva 4 months ago

Florida, with its vast fish diversity and year-round favorable fishing weather, is hailed as the world's fishing capital. Boasting 11,000 miles of saltwater shoreline and 7,600 freshwater lakes, it offers… Read More

By Joanne Paiva 4 months ago

This small state with a population of 647,156 as of 2023, has a lot going on besides maple syrup! There is a lot for Vermonters to love about themselves and… Read More

By Joanne Paiva 4 months ago

The North Pole is the northernmost point on the planet with a latitude of 90 degrees north. It intersects with all lines of longitude. Above it, the North Star acts… Read More

By Joanne Paiva 4 months ago

German Shepherds are one of the most popular dog breeds in America today. People like them because they are loyal and smart, and they are protective of their owners. Their… Read More

By Joanne Paiva 4 months ago

The name boxer is a result of their habit of standing on their hind legs and “boxing” with their front paws. Boxers trace their roots to Munich, Germany in the… Read More

By Joanne Paiva 4 months ago

Corgis are one of the most popular dog breeds. They are cute, loyal, and have outgoing personalities. According to history, the Celts introduced this ancient breed to Wales from Central… Read More

By Joanne Paiva 5 months ago

Cacti are succulents and as such they store water in their roots, leaves, and stems. Cold-hardy cacti grown successfully in northern areas have many of the same requirements as in… Read More

By Joanne Paiva 5 months ago

The Hawaiian islands offer unparalleled snorkeling opportunities with their crystal-clear waters teeming with sea life in and around the coral reefs. Whether swimming with turtles during the day or with… Read More

By Joanne Paiva 5 months ago

A reasonable cost of living, warm weather, great food, and inexpensive healthcare sound like the perfect recipe for retirement! Malta is certainly a destination to consider for the many benefits… Read More

By Joanne Paiva 5 months ago

Hermit crabs, up to two, will thrive in at least a 10-gallon tank protected from drafts and direct sunlight. Maintain 70-90 percent humidity by daily misting using dechlorinated water. Keep… Read More

By Joanne Paiva 5 months ago

People visit the Hawaiian Islands to relax and enjoy outdoor activities, its unique culture, and beautiful terrain. Polynesian traditions and influences of cultures including Portugal, the Philippines, Korea, China, and… Read More

By Joanne Paiva 5 months ago

Growing fruits, vegetables, or flowers is a very rewarding experience. In fact, gardening offers a way to keep in touch with the earth by putting in the work to plan… Read More

By Joanne Paiva 6 months ago

For centuries man has kept track of their grazing animals by hanging bells around their necks. One of the earliest discoveries is the remains of 5,000-year-old cow pottery bells discovered… Read More

By Joanne Paiva 6 months ago

Crows can mimic and retain random sounds. The American crow is a highly intelligent social bird that emits many sounds to communicate with other crows or their young. These rambunctious… Read More

By Joanne Paiva 6 months ago

Houseplants come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes. Their benefits include the ability to improve our air quality and reduce stress. In addition, they offer decorators a living… Read More

By Joanne Paiva 6 months ago

Records of the existence of fish ponds date back to the Middle Ages. In fact, they were a sign of power and kept by the nobility. Fishponds served as a… Read More

By Joanne Paiva 6 months ago

Store your lawnmower in a storage shed and off the ground to protect it from pests. Lawns evoke a sense of pride in homeowners, providing a lush landscape that frames… Read More

By Joanne Paiva 6 months ago

Over time, as animals evolved, they have physically adapted to better survive in their environments. Some animals developed webbed feet to help them find food or navigate their surroundings. Webbed… Read More

By Joanne Paiva 7 months ago

Wildcat Beach is at the base of the cliffs of California's Alamere Falls. Alamere Falls is a 40-foot tidefall waterfall located near the town of Bolinas in Marin County and… Read More

By Joanne Paiva 7 months ago

California is home to many beautiful state parks with a variety of geographical features and wildlife. In the early 20th century a preservation movement saved many of the parks for… Read More

By Joanne Paiva 7 months ago