French fries, potato chips, and fried chicken are not nutritious foods. In fact, people should limit the number of fried foods they eat. There are many health risks that can be linked to eating foods fried in oil. One well-known side effect is obesity. People who eat fried foods often tend to be overweight. Eating fried foods also increases the chance of gas, heartburn, and bloating. Eating fried foods can result in higher levels of cholesterol, which can result in a heart attack. Clearly, there are many negative effects which can be associated with eating large amounts of fried foods.

Wildfires can cause the destruction of beautiful trees and forests. Nonetheless, there are several benefits to wildfires. Some trees can only reproduce after a fire. Certain pine tree cones are sealed with something called pitch. A pinecone's seeds can only be released after a fire has melted away the pitch. Aspen and birch tree seeds will also only sprout roots following a fire. Also, ash remaining after a fire adds nutrients to the soil. Deer and other animals feed on new grasses and shrubs that grow after forest fires. These are a few of the benefits of a wildfire.

The common person might not know the difference between a road bike and a mountain bike. After all, they both have pedals, handlebars, frames, and two wheels.

However to an experienced biker, a road bike and a mountain bike are very different. A road bike has a lighter frame and narrower tires. These features allow the bike to travel much faster across smooth roads. A mountain bike has a heavier frame and wider tires with noticeably thick tread. These features are key for bikers who plan to ride on off-road trails with rocky terrain.

The Grand Canyon Skywalk is a U-shaped bridge that extends over the edge of the canyon and towers over the Colorado River 800 feet below. The skywalk is made of a very thick glass floor and sides, making it transparent. It was designed to withstand strong winds. It is owned by the Hualapai Indian tribe. It opened to visitors in 2007.

Our environment has weakened due to the invention of the automobile. Vehicles emit toxic gases into the air we breathe. One solution to this alarming problem is to ride a bike whenever possible. A four mile bicycle trip will result in 15 fewer pounds of pollutants in our air. Riding a bike also reduces water pollution since bikes don't use antifreeze, brake fluid, or transmission fluid. Riding a bike is an environmentally friendly thing to do!

Glacier National Park is located on a large area of land that crosses the border between Montana and Canada. Sadly, many of the glaciers located in the park are rapidly disappearing. Scientists estimate that there were nearly 150 glaciers in the park in 1850. When the park was established in 1910, most of the glaciers were still present. However, just 100 years later, most of those glaciers had disappeared. In 2010, only 25 glaciers larger than 25 acres remain in Glacier National Park. Some computer models predict that the park's largest glaciers will no longer exist by the year 2030.

Tsunamis are particularly dangerous events because they cannot be predicted. A tsunami can reach land within minutes. Scientists are researching methods that they hope will assist them in warning people in the path of a tsunami at a faster speed. One current solution that has been developed is the SMS Tsunami Warning System. This warning system sends a text alert directly to your cell phone if there has been an earthquake and it appears that a tsunami may be approaching your area. Scientists hope to develop even more reliable warning systems in the future.

Hiking in the mountains can be a beautiful experience. Stunning waterfalls and hidden lakes can take your breath away. There are dangers, though, too. An encounter with a bear can be deadly. This possibility need not stop you from hiking, however. There are several things you can do to protect yourself from a bear. Hike in groups and make noise occasionally. If you see a bear, do not run. Rather, walk calmly away from it. Serious hikers who intend to hike in isolated areas should carry bear spray. If a bear is charging, you should direct the spray in the bear's face. Being prepared is key if you are hiking in areas inhabited by bears.

Two bears call the continental United States home--the black bear and the Grizzly bear. Both are omnivores that feed on plants and animals. Both species are solitary animals, living alone most of the time.

There are, however, many differences between the two species. The Grizzly bear is usually larger, growing to 8 feet and weighing 800 pounds. The black bear grows to 5-6 feet tall and weighs between 200 and 600 pounds. Grizzly bears are always brown, whereas black bears can be black, brown, and even (rarely) white. When winter arrives, Grizzlies hibernate, while black bears go into a dormant state.

The earliest written records of Olympic Games date back to 776 B.C. The ancient Olympics were held in Greece every four years in honor of the Greek god, Zeus. After the Roman empire conquered Greece, the ancient Olympic Games were ended in A.D. 393.

1,500 years passed before another Olympic Games was held. In 1894, the first modern Olympics took place in Athens, Greece. The international event grew in popularity, and an Olympiad was planned for every four years, although none took place in 1916, 1940, and 1944 due to World Wars. People worldwide look forward to the Olympic Games.