theheartysoul--2020-07-08--Our Worst Nightmare? Here’s What You Need to Know About That ‘Human-Sized’ Bat Going Viral

By now I ’ m sure we ’ ve all seen the viral photo of that ‘ human-sized bat ’ in the Philippines .
Most of us probably had the same thought : There ’ s no way giant bats like that are real !
Like it or not , giant bats are real , but they aren ’ t quite what that viral post says they are .
This is everything you need to know about these so-called ‘ human-sized bats ’ around the world .
Giant Bats : Not As Giant As You Think They Are Twitter user @ @ @ @ @ @ @ posted on Reddit a couple of years ago of a “ human-sized ” bat in the Philippines .
In the photo ( see below ) , the bat appears to be the size of a person .
In reality , they aren ’ t quite as the photo seems .
( 1 ) Giant bats , which are also called Flying Foxes or the Fox Bat , are a family of 65 different species of giant bats that live on tropical islands , from Australia to Madagascar , Indonesia , the Philipines , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ They are most definitely the largest of the bat species but are by no means the size of a person .
( 1 , 2 ) Their wingspan can reach up to 5 feet wide ( 1.5 m ) , but their actual bodies aren ’ t that big .
From head to toe , the largest of them will reach 16 inches ( about 40 cm ) .
These megabats are an important part of the ecosystem they live in .
Giant bats are responsible for ( 1 , 2 ) : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ roles these bats perform in their ecosystems .
Unfortunately , Flying Foxes are at high risk due to habitat loss , nets and barbed wire , and hunting to be used as a food source .
( 1 , 2 , 3 ) Read : One Cat , One Year , 110 Native Animals : Lock up Your Pet , It ’ s a Killing Machine Flying Foxes are actually Old World Fruit Bats .
They typically live in large numbers and eat fruit .
That ’ s right , they don ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ juices of figs and other local fruits over blood .
As their rural habitats are disappearing , they have begun to migrate to cities and more urban areas , where it is easier to find food and places to roost .
( 1 , 2 , 3 ) Like small bats , they are most active at nighttime , preferring to sleep the day away high up in the treetops .
Unlike their tiny cousins , they use their eyes and nose to navigate themselves through the night , rather than echolocation .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the bats ’ largest obstacles are the erroneous assumptions and associations people have with bats .
While yes , they could be carriers of zoonotic diseases , they really aren ’ t a threat to public safety .
Because of their fruit-eating nature they are considered a pest and can pose problems for farmers , so they are not allowed to be imported to North America .
( 1 , 2 , 3 ) There are several groups , particularly in Australia , that work hard to protect the bats and their habitats @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and injured bats back to help , as well as help to raise orphaned baby bats so that they will be successful in the wild .
( 3 ) To learn more about Flying Fox rehabilitation and rescue operations , check out these news articles and websites : Keep Reading : Ever Heard Of Albino Animals ?
Melanistic Animals Are The Opposite

Our Worst Nightmare? Here’s What You Need to Know About That ‘Human-Sized’ Bat Going Viral
By now I’m sure we’ve all seen the viral photo of that ‘human-sized bat’ in the Philippines. Most of us probably had the same thought: There’s no way giant bats like that are real!
Like it or not, giant bats are real, but they aren’t quite what that viral post says they are. This is everything you need to know about these so-called ‘human-sized bats’ around the world.
Giant Bats: Not As Giant As You Think They Are
Twitter user AlexJoestar622 shared a photo that was originally posted on Reddit a couple of years ago of a “human-sized” bat in the Philippines. In the photo (see below), the bat appears to be the size of a person. In reality, they aren’t quite as the photo seems. (1)
Remember when I told y'all about the Philippines having human-sized bats? Yeah, this was what I was talking about pic.twitter.com/nTVIMzidbC — Alex☔ (@AlexJoestar622) June 24, 2020
Giant bats, which are also called Flying Foxes or the Fox Bat, are a family of 65 different species of giant bats that live on tropical islands, from Australia to Madagascar, Indonesia, the Philipines, and many parts of mainland Asia. They are most definitely the largest of the bat species but are by no means the size of a person. (1, 2)
Their wingspan can reach up to 5 feet wide (1.5 m), but their actual bodies aren’t that big. From head to toe, the largest of them will reach 16 inches (about 40 cm). These megabats are an important part of the ecosystem they live in. Giant bats are responsible for (1, 2):
Pest control
Pollination
Seed dispersal
These are just three of the vital roles these bats perform in their ecosystems. Unfortunately, Flying Foxes are at high risk due to habitat loss, nets and barbed wire, and hunting to be used as a food source. (1, 2, 3)
Read: One Cat, One Year, 110 Native Animals: Lock up Your Pet, It’s a Killing Machine
Giant Bats are Not Vampires
Flying Foxes are actually Old World Fruit Bats. They typically live in large numbers and eat fruit. That’s right, they don’t drink blood and prefer the sweet juices of figs and other local fruits over blood. As their rural habitats are disappearing, they have begun to migrate to cities and more urban areas, where it is easier to find food and places to roost. (1, 2, 3)
Like small bats, they are most active at nighttime, preferring to sleep the day away high up in the treetops. Unlike their tiny cousins, they use their eyes and nose to navigate themselves through the night, rather than echolocation. (1, 2)
One of the bats’ largest obstacles are the erroneous assumptions and associations people have with bats. While yes, they could be carriers of zoonotic diseases, they really aren’t a threat to public safety. Because of their fruit-eating nature they are considered a pest and can pose problems for farmers, so they are not allowed to be imported to North America. (1, 2, 3)
Bat Protection
There are several groups, particularly in Australia, that work hard to protect the bats and their habitats. These rescue groups also nurse sick and injured bats back to help, as well as help to raise orphaned baby bats so that they will be successful in the wild. (3)
To learn more about Flying Fox rehabilitation and rescue operations, check out these news articles and websites:
Keep Reading: Ever Heard Of Albino Animals? Melanistic Animals Are The Opposite


theheartysoul--2020-07-08--World record lightning ‘megaflash’ in South America — 440 miles long — confirmed by scientists

Lightning is extraordinary , beautiful , and awe-inspiring to see .
It can also be incredibly scary , particularly if you ’ ve ever had a close encounter with these potentially deadly bolts .
Recently in South America , the world ’ s largest-ever recorded megaflash occurred .
The expanse of it will blow your mind .
The World Meteorological Organization ( WMO ) has certified two world-record-breaking ‘ megaflashes ’ of lightning that occurred during storms in Brazil and Argentina .
The first flash that happened was recorded in Brazil on October 31 , 2018 .
The megaflash stretch @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Atlantic , a distance of 440 miles .
This is equivalent to the distance between Washington D.C. and Boston or Chicago and Toronto .
( 1 , 2 ) The second megaflash in Argentina happened during a storm on March 4 , 2019 .
This was an excessively long flash of lightning , last 16.73 seconds total , and also spanning several hundred miles .
That ’ s longer than your average television commercial .
( 1 , 2 ) For context , regular lightning bolts , like the ones you see striking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ earth , are just a few miles long and last ones to two seconds .
( 1 , 2 ) Read : 11 natural phenomenons caught on camera that you won ’ t believe aren ’ t photoshopped Traditionally , lightning was thought to be more of a local event .
Storm starts , creates an imbalance in the electrical charge of the air , that imbalance charge builds up until it becomes too much and a spark jumps between two charges , and boom – you ’ ve got a lightning bolt @ @ @ @ @ @ @ detection and tracking technology improve , however , scientists are learning that some electrical storms may be “ mesoscale ” in nature , and can reach a size of the storms that created them in the first place .
( 1 , 2 ) These massive storms are called “ mesoscale convective systems ” ( MCS ) that have the ability to have sprawling electrical fields .
This is what makes a megaflash possible .
To create these gargantuan lightning events , however , you first need a storm large enough to build @ @ @ @ @ @ @ intense summer storm complex is quite literally the perfect storm for this to occur .
( 1 , 2 ) An MCS is a thunderstorm that covers at least 60 miles ( 100km ) in length .
This , of course , is just the minimum size a storm needs to achieve in order to be considered an MCS .
These storms usually start brewing in the evenings east of South America ’ s mountain ranges .
The continue their rampage overnight and can grow to stretch across areas more than 500 miles @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sometimes , two of these MCSs can merge together .
This not only makes them stronger , but it also promotes interactions in their electrical fields that cause more lightning to be created .
A lightning discharge in one section of the storm can cause an electrical disturbance in another .
This then builds a path or channel for that lightning to travel horizontally , creating a megaflash .
( 1 , 2 ) Read : Why Washing Dishes or Showering During a Thunderstorm Can Be Dangerous Not Just in South America Megaflashes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ however , technology is only just becoming sufficient enough to map them out .
Some megaflashes recorded in the United States are ( 1 ) : • October 23 , 2017 , Oklahoma ; 300 miles ( not evaluated by the WMO ) As technology becomes better and better , we will start seeing more of these types of lightning events .
This may be in part due to climate change but also due to a better ability to record them .
GOES satellites ( Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite ) , which are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s called a “ geostationary lightning mapper ” , or GLM .
These satellites are 22 , 236 miles into space , and can watch over both North and South America and the oceans around them .
GOES 16 was launched into orbit in November of 2016 and has been tremendously useful for megaflash lightning detection .
( 1 , 2 ) The hope is this new technology will help detect even more events and extremes in the future .
As always , scientists urge people to use The 30-30 Rule during a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or less after you see a flash or bolt of lightning , go inside .
Stay indoors until there hasn ’ t been another lightning flash for at least 30 minutes .
( 1 ) Storms are much more fun to watch indoors from the comfort ( and safety ! )
of your couch , anyways .
Keep Reading : Fulgurites : Magical Stones Formed When Lightning Hits the Ground

Lightning is extraordinary, beautiful, and awe-inspiring to see. It can also be incredibly scary, particularly if you’ve ever had a close encounter with these potentially deadly bolts. Recently in South America, the world’s largest-ever recorded megaflash occurred. The expanse of it will blow your mind.
World-Record Setting Megaflash in South America
The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) has certified two world-record-breaking ‘megaflashes’ of lightning that occurred during storms in Brazil and Argentina. The first flash that happened was recorded in Brazil on October 31, 2018. The megaflash stretch from Argentina all the way to the Atlantic, a distance of 440 miles. This is equivalent to the distance between Washington D.C. and Boston or Chicago and Toronto. (1, 2)
The second megaflash in Argentina happened during a storm on March 4, 2019. This was an excessively long flash of lightning, last 16.73 seconds total, and also spanning several hundred miles. That’s longer than your average television commercial. (1, 2)
For context, regular lightning bolts, like the ones you see striking out from a storm cloud towards the earth, are just a few miles long and last ones to two seconds. (1, 2)
Read: 11 natural phenomenons caught on camera that you won’t believe aren’t photoshopped
The Megaflash Explained
Traditionally, lightning was thought to be more of a local event. Storm starts, creates an imbalance in the electrical charge of the air, that imbalance charge builds up until it becomes too much and a spark jumps between two charges, and boom – you’ve got a lightning bolt. (1, 2)
As detection and tracking technology improve, however, scientists are learning that some electrical storms may be “mesoscale” in nature, and can reach a size of the storms that created them in the first place. (1, 2)
These massive storms are called “mesoscale convective systems” (MCS) that have the ability to have sprawling electrical fields. This is what makes a megaflash possible. To create these gargantuan lightning events, however, you first need a storm large enough to build it. South America’s incredibly intense summer storm complex is quite literally the perfect storm for this to occur. (1, 2)
MCSs of South America
An MCS is a thunderstorm that covers at least 60 miles (100km) in length. This, of course, is just the minimum size a storm needs to achieve in order to be considered an MCS. These storms usually start brewing in the evenings east of South America’s mountain ranges. The continue their rampage overnight and can grow to stretch across areas more than 500 miles wide. (1, 2)
Sometimes, two of these MCSs can merge together. This not only makes them stronger, but it also promotes interactions in their electrical fields that cause more lightning to be created. A lightning discharge in one section of the storm can cause an electrical disturbance in another. This then builds a path or channel for that lightning to travel horizontally, creating a megaflash. (1, 2)
Not Just in South America
Megaflashes do happen in the United States, however, technology is only just becoming sufficient enough to map them out. Some megaflashes recorded in the United States are (1):
June 20th, 2007, Oklahoma; 200 miles
October 23, 2017, Oklahoma; 300 miles (not evaluated by the WMO)
As technology becomes better and better, we will start seeing more of these types of lightning events. This may be in part due to climate change but also due to a better ability to record them.
Megaflash Study Technology
GOES satellites (Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite), which are lightning detection systems, have what’s called a “geostationary lightning mapper”, or GLM. These satellites are 22, 236 miles into space, and can watch over both North and South America and the oceans around them. GOES 16 was launched into orbit in November of 2016 and has been tremendously useful for megaflash lightning detection. (1, 2)
The hope is this new technology will help detect even more events and extremes in the future.
Lightning Safety
As always, scientists urge people to use The 30-30 Rule during a thunderstorm. If thunder cracks 30 seconds or less after you see a flash or bolt of lightning, go inside. Stay indoors until there hasn’t been another lightning flash for at least 30 minutes. (1)
Storms are much more fun to watch indoors from the comfort (and safety!) of your couch, anyways.
Keep Reading: Fulgurites: Magical Stones Formed When Lightning Hits the Ground


theheartysoul--2020-07-07--Getting Stoned With Your Spouse Could Reduce Conflict in Your Marriage

When it comes to fostering healthy relationships , drugs and alcohol are typically viewed very negatively- and rightly so .
Addictions and substance abuse can destroy the bonds you have with friends , families , and spouses , and tear relationships apart .
A more recent study , however , has been published that suggests that marijuana use may not deserve the bad rep it has received .
Researchers have determined that getting high with your partner may actually improve your relationship .
Read : ‘ Doctors Should Educate Themselves.
’ Elderly Face Stigma As More of Them Are Relying @ @ @ @ @ @ @ your Partner May Improve your Relationship Research suggests that couples who smoke marijuana together tend to have less conflict in their relationship , and show a decreased instance of intimate partner violence [ 1 ] .
The study asked 634 married couples who had no history of violence to regularly complete mail-in surveys about various marital problems and conflicts over the course of nine years .
They also answered questions pertaining to alcohol use , cannabis use , and acts of physical aggression to their partners .
In general , the researchers found @ @ @ @ @ @ @ experienced fewer instances of violence [ 2 ] .
Benjamin Krasne , a physician and anesthesiologist , who was not involved in the study , said that this may be because chronic marijuana users exhibit blunted emotional reactions in threatening situations , which may also decrease the likelihood of aggressive behaviour .
Dr. Jordan Tishler , who has worked as a cannabis specialist for more than 20 years , says that marijuana use does not have to be chronic in order to decrease anxiety , and even just occasional use can help .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ solve marital problems , but he has seen low doses of cannabis help improve sex , intamacy , and the bond between couples .
Read : ‘ My Tumors Are Receding ’ : Olivia Newton-John , 71 Thanks Medical Marijuana for Being Part of Her Treatment These findings are the opposite of what past research has found , which is that alcohol and marijuana use actually increases intimate partner violence .
The difference , however , is that most of the past research in this area has used subjects with a history of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ psychiatric hospitalizations [ 4 ] .
The other problem with many of these studies is that it is very difficult to determine whether or not there is a statistical correlation between violent behavior and marijuana use , or whether the two are connected because of other confounding factors like socioeconomic status or other personality traits that cause someone to use marijuana more heavily [ 5 ] .
It is very important to note , however , that marijuana is not going to fix the relationships of couples who are constantly experiencing conflict or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out that this study relied on self-reported data on drug use and aggressive behaviour , two topics about which most people will be less honest [ 1 ] .
Married couples who do not have a violent history , though , may benefit from the occasional toke .
Not only can it improve the marriage itself , but , indirectly , it can also improve the lives of the couple ’ s children , if they have any .
Krasne explains that children thrive in an environment in which their parents have a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and conflict , which helps them to emulate good relationships in the future .
Keep Reading : Yes , Vaping Marijuana Has Risks ( Maybe more than you realize )

When it comes to fostering healthy relationships, drugs and alcohol are typically viewed very negatively- and rightly so. Addictions and substance abuse can destroy the bonds you have with friends, families, and spouses, and tear relationships apart. A more recent study, however, has been published that suggests that marijuana use may not deserve the bad rep it has received. Researchers have determined that getting high with your partner may actually improve your relationship.
Getting High with your Partner May Improve your Relationship
Research suggests that couples who smoke marijuana together tend to have less conflict in their relationship, and show a decreased instance of intimate partner violence [1].
The study asked 634 married couples who had no history of violence to regularly complete mail-in surveys about various marital problems and conflicts over the course of nine years. They also answered questions pertaining to alcohol use, cannabis use, and acts of physical aggression to their partners. In general, the researchers found that couples who used marijuana more frequently experienced fewer instances of violence [2].
Benjamin Krasne, a physician and anesthesiologist, who was not involved in the study, said that this may be because chronic marijuana users exhibit blunted emotional reactions in threatening situations, which may also decrease the likelihood of aggressive behaviour.
“It does seem likely that couples who use cannabis are less likely to perpetrate intimate partner violence due to reduced stress and anxiety as elicited by the chronic use of this drug.” [1]
Dr. Jordan Tishler, who has worked as a cannabis specialist for more than 20 years, says that marijuana use does not have to be chronic in order to decrease anxiety, and even just occasional use can help.
Tishler does not believe that marijuana can solve marital problems, but he has seen low doses of cannabis help improve sex, intamacy, and the bond between couples.
“We may be getting reduced anxiety and greater intimacy, which are not the same thing, but it’s not surprising that cannabis helps enhance marriages,” he says [3].
Past Research Tells a Different Story
These findings are the opposite of what past research has found, which is that alcohol and marijuana use actually increases intimate partner violence. The difference, however, is that most of the past research in this area has used subjects with a history of previous violence, or individuals with past psychiatric hospitalizations [4].
The other problem with many of these studies is that it is very difficult to determine whether or not there is a statistical correlation between violent behavior and marijuana use, or whether the two are connected because of other confounding factors like socioeconomic status or other personality traits that cause someone to use marijuana more heavily [5].
Marijuana Won’t Save Your Marriage
It is very important to note, however, that marijuana is not going to fix the relationships of couples who are constantly experiencing conflict or violence. It is also worth pointing out that this study relied on self-reported data on drug use and aggressive behaviour, two topics about which most people will be less honest [1].
Married couples who do not have a violent history, though, may benefit from the occasional toke. Not only can it improve the marriage itself, but, indirectly, it can also improve the lives of the couple’s children, if they have any.
Krasne explains that children thrive in an environment in which their parents have a healthy relationship that is free of violence and conflict, which helps them to emulate good relationships in the future.


theheartysoul--2020-07-07--Man Designs An Off-Road “Wheelchair” So That His Wife Can Go Places She Never Imagined, It’s Now Up

Man Designs An Off-Road “Wheelchair” So That His Wife Can Go Places She Never Imagined, It’s Now Up For Mass-Production.

Those of us who have full function of our legs take our ability to go anywhere – hiking in the mountains , walking along the beach , and trekking through the snow – completely for granted .
When we ’ re out enjoying the great outdoors , we don ’ t think about the thousands of people who can ’ t experience these places due to a physical disability that affects their mobility .
Thanks to this man who built a special off-road wheelchair for his then-girlfriend , now wife , getting out into nature is more feasible than ever @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the waist down .
For most of her adult life , her outdoor adventures have been restricted to paved surfaces , because wheelchairs just aren ’ t built for nature .
She and her husband , Zach , however , love getting outside and going on adventures .
This is what inspired Zach to build her an off-road wheelchair , or ‘ not-a-wheelchair ’ so that the couple could expand their exploration beyond accessibility-friendly spaces .
We know what you are probably thinking : Don ’ t off-road wheelchairs already exist ?
Yes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ only two options : • One that costs anywhere from $ 10,000 to $ 20,000 , or , • One that is really , really slow .
The first is cost-prohibitive for most people , the other not great for the true outdoor-adventurer .
Zach built The Rig to solve both of those problems .
Read : Teen Scientist Creates SMART Armor Shield To Help in Radiation Treatment What Makes The Rig – Not a Wheelchair – So Great To be clear , The Rig is not a certified medical device .
It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ when operating it and don ’ t try any crazy stunts or tricks .
What it is , is a cost-effective , quiet , easily transported bike that provides the freedom to those who have been otherwise denied .
Here are a few specs : • Low-cost The base model , which has only one battery and no suspension , is just $ 4,750 .
For another $ 1000 , you get two batteries and suspension , as well as fun color options .
Compare this to the regular cost of traditional off-road @ @ @ @ @ @ @ incredible this is .
• It ’ s Electric The physical strength and endurance of the operator is not an issue with The Rig , because it is motorized .
It is electric , which means it ’ s whisper quiet .
You can take a peaceful hike through without worrying you will scare off the birds or chat with your friends while strolling through the forest , either way , the sound of the motor won ’ t get in the way .
• It can go far The basic option can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the battery needs to be recharged , depending on how much weight it is carrying .
With two batteries , it can travel 25 to 35 miles in one go .
The length of the trip it is capable of also depends on the terrain of the land .
It will go further on flat , smooth surfaces than it will on hilly or bumpy ones .
• It can carry more than just the driver Better than a bike basket , The Rig allows you to cart plenty of items around on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a cooler for a picnic lunch , your friend when they get tired half-way through the hike… as long as the total weight doesn ’ t exceed 225 pounds , you can carry it .
• Cheap and Easy Repairs The Rig is made out of bike parts , which means that it requires the same maintenance and repairs that a normal bike would .
This also means that sourcing parts and having repairs done is easy and inexpensive to do .
• Easy to transport The RIg is five feet long and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , so it can fit easily in a standard short-bed pickup and SUVs .
The Rig can fit through most regular doorways , has a function that allows the user to easily transfer themselves from their wheelchair to their not-a-wheelchair and back , and can handle most terrain pretty well .
It also can go up to 12 miles per hour , so you won ’ t ever fall behind the rest of the group .
Just like a regular bike , it does struggle with loose snow or sand .
It is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all of these things are updates that Zach and Cambry hope to include when they develop The Rig 2.0 .
To purchase your own Rig , or to donate to the cause , visit the Not-A-Wheelchair Website .
Keep Reading : Bike Chair for Special Needs – allows you to take someone with limited mobility for a ride .

Those of us who have full function of our legs take our ability to go anywhere – hiking in the mountains, walking along the beach, and trekking through the snow – completely for granted. When we’re out enjoying the great outdoors, we don’t think about the thousands of people who can’t experience these places due to a physical disability that affects their mobility. Thanks to this man who built a special off-road wheelchair for his then-girlfriend, now wife, getting out into nature is more feasible than ever before.
The Off-Road Wheelchair That’s Changing the Game
Cambry Nelson is paralyzed from the waist down. For most of her adult life, her outdoor adventures have been restricted to paved surfaces, because wheelchairs just aren’t built for nature. She and her husband, Zach, however, love getting outside and going on adventures. This is what inspired Zach to build her an off-road wheelchair, or ‘not-a-wheelchair’ so that the couple could expand their exploration beyond accessibility-friendly spaces.
We know what you are probably thinking: Don’t off-road wheelchairs already exist?
Yes, they do, however, there are only two options: One that costs anywhere from $10,000 to $20,000, or, one that is really, really slow.
The first is cost-prohibitive for most people, the other not great for the true outdoor adventurer. Zach built The Rig to solve both of those problems.
What Makes The Rig – Not a Wheelchair – So Great
To be clear, The Rig is not a certified medical device. It is important that people still take precautions when operating it and don’t try any crazy stunts or tricks.
What it is, is a cost-effective, quiet, easily transported bike that provides freedom to those who have been otherwise denied. Here are a few specs:
Low-cost
The base model, which has only one battery and no suspension, is just $4,750. For another $1000, you get two batteries and suspension, as well as fun color options. Compare this to the regular cost of traditional off-road wheelchairs and you’ll understand how incredible this is. It’s Electric
The physical strength and endurance of the operator is not an issue with The Rig, because it is motorized. It is electric, which means it’s whisper quiet. You can take a peaceful hike through without worrying you will scare off the birds or chat with your friends while strolling through the forest, either way, the sound of the motor won’t get in the way. It can go far
The basic option can take you 10 to 20 miles before the battery needs to be recharged, depending on how much weight it is carrying. With two batteries, it can travel 25 to 35 miles in one go. The length of the trip it is capable of also depends on the terrain of the land. It will go further on flat, smooth surfaces than it will on hilly or bumpy ones. It can carry more than just the driver
Better than a bike basket, The Rig allows you to cart plenty of items around on the back – your regular wheelchair, a cooler for a picnic lunch, your friend when they get tired half-way through the hike… as long as the total weight doesn’t exceed 225 pounds, you can carry it. Cheap and Easy Repairs
The Rig is made out of bike parts, which means that it requires the same maintenance and repairs that a normal bike would. This also means that sourcing parts and having repairs done is easy and inexpensive to do. Easy to transport
The RIg is five feet long and 32 inches wide without the bumper on, so it can fit easily in a standard short-bed pickup and SUVs.
Read: The ‘Shopping Cart Test’ Is a Way to Determine If Someone is a Good Person
The Rig can fit through most regular doorways, has a function that allows the user to easily transfer themselves from their wheelchair to their not-a-wheelchair and back, and can handle most terrain pretty well. It also can go up to 12 miles per hour, so you won’t ever fall behind the rest of the group.
Just like a regular bike, it does struggle with loose snow or sand. It is also not water certified, however, all of these things are updates that Zach and Cambry hope to include when they develop The Rig 2.0.
To purchase your own Rig, or to donate to the cause, visit the Not-A-Wheelchair Website.
Keep Reading: Man Cut Up Cords Of Wood Worth $10,000 With His Sons To Give Away To Families In Need Of Heat
Sources


theheartysoul--2020-07-07--Only 5% of People Will Graduate from This Odd One Out 8-part Quiz! How Many Can You Solve In 30 Seco

Only 5% of People Will Graduate from This Odd One Out 8-part Quiz! How Many Can You Solve In 30 Seconds?

I know what you ’ re thinking .
This is too easy .
Well , at first , it looks that way , but trust me , you ’ re about to seriously challenge yourself .
There are 8 tests with an odd shape embedded somewhere .
Can you spot all the odds in 30 seconds in this hard quiz ?
Get your strop watch ready !
This awesome test isn ’ t merely about perfect eyesight .
It ’ s about processing speed , a sort of eye and mind coordination check .
How fast can your brain process @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at once ?
This type of quiz is great practice for improving processing power and sharpening the brain .
Practicing these types of puzzles helps to keep the brain cells active and functional .
So , let ’ s dive right in !
How many did you spot correctly in 30 seconds ?
Your time starts now .
The answers are posted at the end of this article , but try not to peek until you ’ ve solved them all .
Read : Brainteaser Alert : How Long Will It Take You @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Of Polar Bears ?
Read : Very few people can solve this math problem without using a calculator How well did you do on this exceptionally hard quiz ?
If you spotted all of them , you ’ ve just joined the elite 5 % of people who could .
Congratulations !
If you didn ’ t , that ’ s okay .
You can always try again , and that means more helpful practice for you .
It ’ s always a win-win with these games .
Several studies have shown that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ part of your brain regularly to possibly slow degeneration over time .
According to a massive study conducted by researchers at the University of Exeter and Kings College London , solving brain teasers ( mostly word puzzles ) regularly can make the brain feel 10 years younger .
They collected data from over 17,000 participants , making it the largest study of its kind ever conducted .
Some people might argue that puzzles and teasers don ’ t necessarily improve intelligence .
However , the term intelligence simply means “ the ability to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ A person who habitually solves word puzzles and riddles would most likely improve on their knowledge of words and applications .
These puzzles reinforce existing connections between our brain cells , also increasing the generation of new relationships .
This will subsequently improve mental speed and thought processes .
If this isn ’ t relative to intelligence , then we don ’ t what is .
It ’ s a great habit to solve these puzzles regularly .
If not for anything else , but because they are great mood boosters !
Keep @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The Odd Turtle In This Picture ?

I know what you’re thinking. This is too easy. Well, at first, it looks that way, but trust me, you’re about to seriously challenge yourself. There are 8 tests with an odd shape embedded somewhere. Can you spot all the odds in 30 seconds in this hard quiz? How many can you solve? Get your strop watch ready!
This awesome test isn’t merely about perfect eyesight. It’s about processing speed, a sort of eye and mind coordination check. How fast can your brain process the images flying into your eyes all at once? This type of quiz is great practice for improving processing power and sharpening the brain. Practicing these types of puzzles helps to keep the brain cells active and functional.
So, let’s dive right in! How many did you spot correctly in 30 seconds? Your time starts now. The answers are posted at the end of this article, but try not to peek until you’ve solved them all.
Test 1
Test 2
Test 3
Test 4
Test 5
Test 6
Test 7
Test 8
How well did you do on this exceptionally hard quiz? If you spotted all of them, you’ve just joined the elite 5% of people who could. Congratulations! If you didn’t, that’s okay. You can always try again, and that means more helpful practice for you. It’s always a win-win with these games.
Several studies have shown that it’s important to utilize every part of your brain regularly to possibly slow degeneration over time. According to a massive study conducted by researchers at the University of Exeter and Kings College London, solving brain teasers (mostly word puzzles) regularly can make the brain feel 10 years younger. They collected data from over 17,000 participants, making it the largest study of its kind ever conducted.
“You can think of the aging brain like an old computer,” said Dr. Howard Fillit, founding executive director and chief science officer of the Alzheimer’s Drug Discovery Foundation. “Speed-of-processing tasks help the aging brain perform more like a new computer by training it to process visual information more quickly. And this,” he continued, “may help stem the cognitive decline.”
Some people might argue that puzzles and teasers don’t necessarily improve intelligence. However, the term intelligence simply means “the ability to acquire and apply knowledge and skills.” A person who habitually solves word puzzles and riddles would most likely improve on their knowledge of words and applications. These puzzles reinforce existing connections between our brain cells, also increasing the generation of new relationships. This will subsequently improve mental speed and thought processes. If this isn’t relative to intelligence, then we don’t what is.
It’s a great habit to solve these puzzles regularly. If not for anything else, but because they are great mood boosters!
Answers below
Test 1
Test 2
Test 3
Test 4
Test 5
Test 6
Test 7
Test 8
So, how did you do? Let us know in the comments! If you would like to try some more brain teasers, we recommend these!
You Solve This Crazy-Difficult Word Search and Find the “Dog”?
No One Can Solve All 10 Of These Impossible Riddles
Can You Solve This Tricky, Yet Simple Math Problem?
Sources


theheartysoul--2020-07-08--Not so random acts: Science finds that being kind pays off

When you turn on the news or read the headlines that constantly appear on your Facebook feed , it ’ s easy to start to think that human nature is inherently evil , angry , and selfish- and rightly so .
It seems that every day we ’ re given another example of people disrespecting each other , harming each other , and discriminating against each other .
While the media tends to focus on the negative aspects of humanity , science tells us that humans ’ propensity for kindness is just as strong .
University of California San Diego @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is often something we take for granted , but “ is as bred in our bones as our anger or our lust or our grief or as our desire for revenge , ” [ 1 ] .
Not only are we hard-wired to be kind , but there is a growing body of research to suggest that being kind actually makes us feel happier and improves our health .
According to Oxford anthropologist Oliver Curry , the basic reason why people are kind is because we are social animals .
We also give @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or characteristic .
In one study , psychologists put values into ten categories and then asked participants which was more important .
Benevolence or kindness was rated the number one most important value , above hedonism , having an exciting life , creativity , ambition , tradition , security , obedience , seeking social justice , and seeking power [ 1 ] .
Some experts believe that kindness is what separates humans from other animals , since it is our ability to reason that makes it possible for us to be kind to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ humans are able to realize that there is not much difference between our close relatives and strangers , and that one day a stranger may be able to help us if we are kind to them now .
Read : I Raised 2 Successful CEOs and a Doctor—Here ’ s One of the Biggest Mistakes I See Parents Making A 2013 study identified that humans have an innate tendency to be egocentric , but that there ’ s a part of the brain that recognizes a lack of empathy and corrects for it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ called the right supramarginal gyrus , and when it doesn ’ t function properly , or when we have to make a quick decision , our ability to be empathetic decreases significantly [ 2 ] .
This part of the brain , which is located at the junction of the parietal , temporal , and frontal lobe , allows us to separate our perception of ourselves from others .
When the neurons in our supramarginal gyrus become disrupted , however , this becomes more difficult , and we become more likely to project @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also becomes difficult to put ourselves into someone else ’ s shoes , and this can be exacerbated when you are in a comfortable position .
Basically , when you ’ re in a more agreeable situation , it can be more difficult for you to empathise with someone else ’ s suffering [ 3 ] .
This part of the brain , which gives us the ability to nurture and love , also gives us the ability to dehumanize and exclude .
Brain Hare , and evolutionary anthropologist at Duke University , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ When they are feeding and nurturing their cubs , these areas of the brain are activated , but when a stranger approaches at that time , the bear ’ s threat mechanisms become activated in the same place , and she becomes aggressive and dangerous .
The same can be said for humans , and Hare points out that the current polarization of the world contributes to this “ us versus them ” mentality that breeds aggression .
Not only does kindness actually come naturally to humans , but it is also good @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , a psychology professor at the University of California Riverside has studied how kindness affects our happiness levels for the last twenty years , and has found that people are happier when they ’ re kind to others , more so than when they ’ re kind to themselves [ 1 ] .
One possible reason for this is because being kind activates an area of the brain called the striatum .
The striatum is activated by rewards in social situations , and researchers believe that activity in the striatum is responsible for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ others [ 4,5 ] .
Curry explains that because humans are social animals , we are happy to help our family members , friends , colleagues , and even strangers under some conditions , and his research suggests that people do in fact derive satisfaction from helping others .
He adds that performing acts of kindness may not change your life , but could nudge it in the right direction .
Read : Doctor Learns That Money Can ’ t Buy Happiness and Wants You To Learn , Too Being Kind is Good @ @ @ @ @ @ @ just benefit our mental health- it also affects us physically .
Lyubomirsky points to a study of people with multiple sclerosis , in which participants noticed a decrease in pain when helping others [ 1 ] .
She has also found in her own studies that kindness can affect your genes , and doing more acts of kindness can turn down the genes that trigger inflammation , as well as increase the number of antiviral genes you have [ 1 ] .
Other research has shown that people who are perpetually kind have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , cortisol .
Elevated cortisol levels have been linked to a number of physical health problems including heart disease , obesity , diabetes , and digestive problems [ 7,8 ] .
Being kind can also lower your blood pressure .
According to Dr. David R. Hamilton , when you perform an act of kindness , oxytocin , aka the feel-good hormone , is released in your body .
Oxytocin causes the release of a chemical called nitric oxide , which dilates the blood vessels and decreases your blood pressure .
For this reason @ @ @ @ @ @ @ effect in your body [ 7 ] .
Finally , if you want to live longer , being kind can get you there .
Research has found that people over 55 who volunteer regularly for two or more organizations have a 44 percent lower chance of dying early , even after filtering out for other contributing factors like physical health , smoking , and many more [ 7 ] .
It Doesn ’ t Take Much The good news is , you don ’ t have to do grandiose acts of kindness to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ acts like opening a door for someone , letting another vehicle in front of you in a traffic jam , or smiling at someone as they pass you on the sidewalk , can make you feel happier and more connected to the world around you .
Even just spending money on someone else can make you happier , so when you ’ re feeling down perhaps buying a small gift for a friend will cheer you up [ 9 ] .
Of course , there ’ s always the chance that your act @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , but even if it isn ’ t , you will still benefit from being kind to others- whether it ’ s to your friends and family , or to complete strangers .
Keep Reading : It ’ s science : Giving experiences instead of toys boosts your kid ’ s intelligence and happiness

This article was originally published in August 2020 and has since been updated
When you turn on the news or read the headlines that constantly appear on your Facebook feed, it’s easy to start to think that human nature is inherently evil, angry, and selfish- and rightly so. It seems that every day we’re given another example of people disrespecting each other, harming each other, and discriminating against each other.
While the media tends to focus on the negative aspects of humanity, science tells us that humans’ propensity for kindness is just as strong. University of California San Diego psychologist Michael McCullough says that being kind is often something we take for granted, but “is as bred in our bones as our anger or our lust or our grief or as our desire for revenge,” [1].
Not only are we hard-wired to be kind, but there is a growing body of research to suggest that being kind actually makes us feel happier and improves our health.
Kindness Pays
According to Oxford anthropologist Oliver Curry, the basic reason why people are kind is because we are social animals.
“We’re kind because under the right circumstances we all benefit from kindness,” he says [1].
We also give kindness more value than any other trait or characteristic. In one study, psychologists put values into ten categories and then asked participants which was more important. Benevolence or kindness was rated the number one most important value, above hedonism, having an exciting life, creativity, ambition, tradition, security, obedience, seeking social justice, and seeking power [1].
Some experts believe that kindness is what separates humans from other animals, since it is our ability to reason that makes it possible for us to be kind to strangers or outsiders. McCullough says that humans are able to realize that there is not much difference between our close relatives and strangers, and that one day a stranger may be able to help us if we are kind to them now
Read: I Raised 2 Successful CEOs and a Doctor—Here’s One of the Biggest Mistakes I See Parents Making
The Neurobiology of Kindness
A 2013 study identified that humans have an innate tendency to be egocentric, but that there’s a part of the brain that recognizes a lack of empathy and corrects for it. This part of the brain is called the right supramarginal gyrus, and when it doesn’t function properly, or when we have to make a quick decision, our ability to be empathetic decreases significantly [2].
This part of the brain, which is located at the junction of the parietal, temporal, and frontal lobe, allows us to separate our perception of ourselves from others. When the neurons in our supramarginal gyrus become disrupted, however, this becomes more difficult, and we become more likely to project our own feelings onto others.
It also becomes difficult to put ourselves into someone else’s shoes, and this can be exacerbated when you are in a comfortable position. Basically, when you’re in a more agreeable situation, it can be more difficult for you to empathise with someone else’s suffering [3].
This part of the brain, which gives us the ability to nurture and love, also gives us the ability to dehumanize and exclude.
Brain Hare, and evolutionary anthropologist at Duke University, uses mother bears as an example. When they are feeding and nurturing their cubs, these areas of the brain are activated, but when a stranger approaches at that time, the bear’s threat mechanisms become activated in the same place, and she becomes aggressive and dangerous.
The same can be said for humans, and Hare points out that the current polarization of the world contributes to this “us versus them” mentality that breeds aggression.
“More isolated groups are more likely to feel threatened by others and they are more likely to morally exclude, dehumanize,” Hare said. “And that opens the door to cruelty.” [1]
Being Kind Makes You Happier
Not only does kindness actually come naturally to humans, but it is also good for our mental health.
Sonja Lyubomirsky, a psychology professor at the University of California Riverside has studied how kindness affects our happiness levels for the last twenty years, and has found that people are happier when they’re kind to others, more so than when they’re kind to themselves [1].
One possible reason for this is because being kind activates an area of the brain called the striatum. The striatum is activated by rewards in social situations, and researchers believe that activity in the striatum is responsible for that warm feeling we get from helping others [4,5].
Curry explains that because humans are social animals, we are happy to help our family members, friends, colleagues, and even strangers under some conditions, and his research suggests that people do in fact derive satisfaction from helping others.
“This is probably because we genuinely care about others’ welfare, and because random acts of kindness are a good way of making new friends, and kick-starting supportive social relationships,” he says [6].
He adds that performing acts of kindness may not change your life, but could nudge it in the right direction.
Read: Doctor Learns That Money Can’t Buy Happiness and Wants You To Learn, Too
Being Kind is Good for your Health
Kindness does more than just benefit our mental health- it also affects us physically. Lyubomirsky points to a study of people with multiple sclerosis, in which participants noticed a decrease in pain when helping others [1].
She has also found in her own studies that kindness can affect your genes, and doing more acts of kindness can turn down the genes that trigger inflammation, as well as increase the number of antiviral genes you have [1].
Other research has shown that people who are perpetually kind have 23 percent less of the stress hormone, cortisol. Elevated cortisol levels have been linked to a number of physical health problems including heart disease, obesity, diabetes, and digestive problems [7,8].
Being kind can also lower your blood pressure. According to Dr. David R. Hamilton, when you perform an act of kindness, oxytocin, aka the feel-good hormone, is released in your body. Oxytocin causes the release of a chemical called nitric oxide, which dilates the blood vessels and decreases your blood pressure. For this reason, kindness has a “cardioprotective” effect in your body [7].
Finally, if you want to live longer, being kind can get you there. Research has found that people over 55 who volunteer regularly for two or more organizations have a 44 percent lower chance of dying early, even after filtering out for other contributing factors like physical health, smoking, and many more [7].
It Doesn’t Take Much
The good news is, you don’t have to do grandiose acts of kindness to reap these rewards. Even just small acts like opening a door for someone, letting another vehicle in front of you in a traffic jam, or smiling at someone as they pass you on the sidewalk, can make you feel happier and more connected to the world around you.
Even just spending money on someone else can make you happier, so when you’re feeling down perhaps buying a small gift for a friend will cheer you up [9].
Of course, there’s always the chance that your act of kindness could be returned one day, but even if it isn’t, you will still benefit from being kind to others- whether it’s to your friends and family, or to complete strangers.
Keep Reading: It’s science: Giving experiences instead of toys boosts your kid’s intelligence and happiness
Sources:


theheartysoul--2020-07-08--A factory started to produce roof tiles that serve as bird shelters

Bird ’ s nests are often found inconvenient places , but with 55 % of the world ’ s population living in urban areas , birds are losing spots to build nests .
That ’ s how we end up finding nests on statues , streetlamps , windowsills , alleys , shoes left outside , and even on car tires .
To no one ’ s surprise , bird populations are suffering .
Fortunately , one company initiated a creative design for a bird shelter to help birds flourish in an urban environment .
Klaas Kuiken , the Dutch product @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that also functions as a bird house .
This design was snatched by Hitat Terra , a Turkish terracotta manufacturer based in the town of Çorum .
Mahmoud Basic , the regional director for the national parks , explained that the tiles were being created and distributed free of charge .
Cengiz Başaranhıncal and Ali Arslan , the founders of Hitit Terra , got the idea for the product after finding the design on social media .
Arsan explained that the price of the tile online was about $ 70 , too high @ @ @ @ @ @ @ began creating their own design for the local market .
The bird nest tiles were tested by Afyon Nature Conservation and the 5th Regional Directorate of National Parks , whose feedback help complete the design .
The company now produces five different tiles to accommodate different kinds of birds .
Also , some species prefer to flock in a group and nest together .
Having several bird house tiles allows the flock to stick together .
[ 1 ] According to the Klaas Kuiken website , inside the bird house and underneath roof @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wood and a bird screen .
The nesting provides ventilation and prevents the birds from sneaking underneath the roof and it helps keep the nest clean after breeding periods .
This can also provide protection from cats and other predators .
[ 2 ] The bird house is attached to the roof tile with a special kind of glue that ’ s resistant to extreme temperatures so it stays firm during the winter .
[ 3 ] The Tradition of Bird Houses in Turkey Bird houses have been present throughout Turkish history .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ design beautiful , detailed mini palaces for birds .
They provided shelter for the creatures and it was believed that whoever builds bird houses were blessed with goodness .
Turkey is a typical stopover for migratory birds since it is the bridge between Europe , Asia , and Africa .
About 6.4 million birds cross the Anatolian peninsula every year .
During this transition , Turkey hosts over 400 different birds migrating and resting there as they feed and breed .
As civilization developed , birds have been having a harder time finding @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the palaces are , they don ’ t provide much space for the large amount of birds coming in .
The bird house tiles offer a simpler design that will stay out of people ’ s ways and can provide for more birds than ever .
[ 4 ] Read : Man Designs An Off-Road “ Wheelchair ” So That His Wife Can Go Places She Never Imagined , It ’ s Now Up For Mass-Production .
As cool and practical the roof tile bird houses may seem , many people have responded @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that bird droppings might appear all over a person ’ s property , while others worry that the houses would become too hot as the sun beats on the roof during summer months .
That ’ s one of the reasons why most birdhouses are made of wood .
Mrtn17 commented that “ I build bird houses too .
Wish I could send him some feedback , cause that resting stick is very handy for predators .
Birds don ’ t use it ( only in cartoon ) .
And make smaller holes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , for example .
This one is way too big , it ’ s a snack dispenser for cats now.
” [ 5 ] How to Install the Bird House Roof Tiles If you ’ re interested in purchasing the bird house tile , click here .
The instructions on the website recommend place the bird house on the north/east side of the house , or at least out of direct sunlight as much as possible to avoid it from overheating .
Also , place it lower on the roof where there ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ how to install the bird house step by step : • Choose where the bird house roof tile will be placed then remove the current roof tile and the tiles on the left and top .
• Place the nest box on the roof surface against the roof tiles on the right and bottom sides .
• Place the birdhouse roof tile over the nesting box .
This is easiest with a movement from bottom to top .
If you are unsure about the stability of the birdhouse roof tile , it is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tile batten by means of a nail or screw .
• Replace the roof tiles on the left and top , so that the nest box will be completely closed .
Read : Dad Built His Rescue Dog With Trust Issues A Tiny House In The Living Room To Get ‘ Alone Time ’

Bird’s nests are often found inconvenient places, but with 55% of the world’s population living in urban areas, birds are losing spots to build nests. That’s how we end up finding nests on statues, streetlamps, windowsills, alleys, shoes left outside, and even on car tires. To no one’s surprise, bird populations are suffering. Fortunately, one company initiated a creative design for a bird shelter to help birds flourish in an urban environment.
Klaas Kuiken, the Dutch product design agency, created a roof tile that also functions as a bird house. This design was snatched by Hitat Terra, a Turkish terracotta manufacturer based in the town of Çorum. Mahmoud Basic, the regional director for the national parks, explained that the tiles were being created and distributed free of charge.
Developing Bird House Roof Tiles
Cengiz Başaranhıncal and Ali Arslan, the founders of Hitit Terra, got the idea for the product after finding the design on social media. Arsan explained that the price of the tile online was about $70, too high, in his opinion, so they began creating their own design for the local market.
The bird nest tiles were tested by Afyon Nature Conservation and the 5th Regional Directorate of National Parks, whose feedback help complete the design. The company now produces five different tiles to accommodate different kinds of birds. Also, some species prefer to flock in a group and nest together. Having several bird house tiles allows the flock to stick together. [1]
According to the Klaas Kuiken website, inside the bird house and underneath roof tile is a nesting basket made of wood and a bird screen. The nesting provides ventilation and prevents the birds from sneaking underneath the roof and it helps keep the nest clean after breeding periods. This can also provide protection from cats and other predators.
The bird house is attached to the roof tile with a special kind of glue that’s resistant to extreme temperatures so it stays firm during the winter. [3]
The Tradition of Bird Houses in Turkey
Bird houses have been present throughout Turkish history. During the Ottoman Empire, people would design beautiful, detailed mini palaces for birds. They provided shelter for the creatures and it was believed that whoever builds bird houses were blessed with goodness.
Turkey is a typical stopover for migratory birds since it is the bridge between Europe, Asia, and Africa. About 6.4 million birds cross the Anatolian peninsula every year. During this transition, Turkey hosts over 400 different birds migrating and resting there as they feed and breed. As civilization developed, birds have been having a harder time finding places to nest. As nice as the palaces are, they don’t provide much space for the large amount of birds coming in. The bird house tiles offer a simpler design that will stay out of people’s ways and can provide for more birds than ever. [4]
Read: Man Designs An Off-Road “Wheelchair” So That His Wife Can Go Places She Never Imagined, It’s Now Up For Mass-Production.
Critisms of the Bird House Roof Tiles
As cool and practical the roof tile bird houses may seem, many people have responded critically to the idea. Some comment that bird droppings might appear all over a person’s property, while others worry that the houses would become too hot as the sun beats on the roof during summer months. That’s one of the reasons why most birdhouses are made of wood.
Mrtn17 commented that “I build bird houses too. Wish I could send him some feedback, cause that resting stick is very handy for predators. Birds don’t use it (only in cartoon). And make smaller holes, 3.2 cm is perfect for finches, for example. This one is way too big, it’s a snack dispenser for cats now.”
How to Install the Bird House Roof Tiles
If you’re interested in purchasing the bird house tile, click here.
The instructions on the website recommend place the bird house on the north/east side of the house, or at least out of direct sunlight as much as possible to avoid it from overheating. Also, place it lower on the roof where there’s better ventilation.
Here’s how to install the bird house step by step:
Choose where the bird house roof tile will be placed then remove the current roof tile and the tiles on the left and top.
Place the nest box on the roof surface against the roof tiles on the right and bottom sides.
Place the birdhouse roof tile over the nesting box. This is easiest with a movement from bottom to top. If you are unsure about the stability of the birdhouse roof tile, it is recommended to fix the tile to the tile batten by means of a nail or screw.
Replace the roof tiles on the left and top, so that the nest box will be completely closed.
Read: Dad Built His Rescue Dog With Trust Issues A Tiny House In The Living Room To Get ‘Alone Time’
References:


theheartysoul--2020-07-08--Hawaii Group Sets Record For Largest Haul of Plastic Removed From The Great Pacific Garbage Patch

Did you know that there is a place in the world called The Great Pacific Garbage Patch ?
It is a real place , with a real problem .
This group of ocean activists from Hawaii took to the sea to tackle this issue and ended up removing a record-breaking amount of plastic waste from the ocean .
Also known as the Pacific Trash Vortex , The Great Pacific Garbage Patch is an area of the Pacific Ocean where hundreds of tons of trash have ended up spinning around in the ocean .
The area stretches from the North American @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
It ’ s divided into two sections ( 1 ) : • The eastern garbage patch between the United States of Hawaii and California The two sections are connected via the North Pacific Subtropical Convergence Zone a few hundred kilometers north of Hawaii .
This zone , where warm waters from the South Pacific meet the cold water coming up from the Arctic , acts as a sort of garbage highway , transporting the trash from one section to the other .
( 1 ) Read : Coca-Cola is World ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It is referred to as a vortex because there is a gyre , or large system of swirling ocean currents , that forms .
The North Pacific Subtropical Gyre is four clockwise-rotating currents that cover 7.7 million square miles ( 20 million square kilometers ) .
( 1 ) National Geographic uses this example to explain the movement of the debris : “ The area in the center of a gyre tends to be very calm and stable .
The circular motion of the gyre draws debris into this stable center , where @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bottle discarded off the coast of California , for instance , takes the California Current south toward Mexico .
There , it may catch the North Equatorial Current , which crosses the vast Pacific .
Near the coast of Japan , the bottle may travel north on the powerful Kuroshiro Current .
Finally , the bottle travels westward on the North Pacific Current .
The gently rolling vortexes of the Eastern and Western Garbage Patches gradually draw in the bottle.
” ( 1 ) So trash that gets discarded on a beach in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Japan and vice versa .
The majority of this trash is made of plastic and is therefore not biodegradable , which allows this trash to accumulate over time .
It does , however , break down into microplastics .
Though we can ’ t see these with the human eye , they make their way into our environment and food chain .
This is incredibly dangerous to the health of our oceans and the plant and animal life in them , which eventually makes its way into our own ecosystems on land , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 1 ) On June 23 , 2020 , the Ocean Voyages Institute returned from a 48-hour mission into The Great Pacific Garbage Patch .
With them , they brought in 103 tons of plastic consumer trash and fishing nets .
This was a record-breaking haul , more than doubling its previous record from a 25-day mission they undertook last year .
( 2 , 3 ) The group ’ s founder and executive director Mary Crowley , also known as “ The Ghost Net Buster ” is extremely proud of the work of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ developing highly effective methods to remove large amounts of plastic waste from the Oceans .
( 3 ) “ We are utilizing proven nautical equipment to effectively clean-up the oceans while innovating with new technologies , ” Crowley said in a press release .
“ Ocean Voyages Institute has been a leader in researching and accomplishing ocean clean-up for over a decade , granted with less fanfare and attention than others , but with passion and commitment and making meaningful impacts.
” ( 3 ) The plan is to upcycle all of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ none of it ends up in a landfill .
The debris will be sorted and used for things such as energy production , insulation , and more .
( 2 , 3 ) Of course in June 2020 , the additional challenge of completing this task was the outbreak of COVID-19 that is still raging in much of the United States .
To ensure the safety of the crew and everyone involved , each person who took part in the voyage completed a three-week self-isolation before launch .
Once it was confirmed that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they took off into the ocean .
( 2 , 3 ) A second , longer voyage is set to take place in July .
This mission will be 25 to 30 days long , depending on how much money they can raise through fundraising and donations .
( 2 , 3 ) If you would like to support their cause , you can visit their webpage here to donate and to learn more .
Keep Reading : Four Solar-Powered River Barges Are Cleaning Up The World ’ s Most Polluted Rivers

There is a place in the world called The Great Pacific Garbage Patch, and it has a major problem- it’s loaded with ocean trash. A group of ocean activists from Hawaii decided to take on the floating island of garbage themselves and ended up removing a record-breaking amount of plastic waste from the ocean.
The Great Pacific Garbage Patch: An Island of Ocean Trash
Also known as the Pacific Trash Vortex, The Great Pacific Garbage Patch is a giant mass of spinning ocean trash. The area stretches from the North American West Coast all the way to Japan. It’s divided into two sections (1):
The western garbage patch near Japan
The eastern garbage patch between the United States of Hawaii and California
The North Pacific Subtropical Convergence Zone connects the two sections a few hundred kilometers north of Hawaii. Here the warm waters from the South Pacific intersect the cold water coming up from the Arctic. This acts like a freeway for garbage, transporting ocean trash from one section to the other. (1)
A Vortex of Ocean Trash
It is called a vortex because of the gyre, or large system of swirling ocean currents, that forms. The North Pacific Subtropical Gyre is four clockwise-rotating currents that cover 7.7 million square miles (20 million square kilometers). (1)
National Geographic uses this example to explain the movement of the debris:
“The area in the center of a gyre tends to be very calm and stable. The circular motion of the gyre draws debris into this stable center, where it becomes trapped. A plastic water bottle discarded off the coast of California, for instance, takes the California Current south toward Mexico. There, it may catch the North Equatorial Current, which crosses the vast Pacific. Near the coast of Japan, the bottle may travel north on the powerful Kuroshiro Current. Finally, the bottle travels westward on the North Pacific Current. The gently rolling vortexes of the Eastern and Western Garbage Patches gradually draw in the bottle.” (1)
Recovered nets and consumer plastic on the deck of S/V Kwai.
Image Credit: The Ocean Institute
Garbage discarded on a beach in California can travel all the way to Japan and vice versa. Non-biodegradable plastic makes up the majority of this trash, so it accumulates over time. It does, however, break down into microplastics. We can’t see these with the human eye, but they end up in our environment and food chain. Not only is this is incredibly dangerous to the health of our oceans and the plant and animal life in them, they eventually make their way into land ecosystems and affect human health as well. (1)
The Ocean Voyages Institute Makes History
On June 23, 2020, the Ocean Voyages Institute returned from a 48-hour mission into The Great Pacific Garbage Patch. With them, they brought in 103 tons of plastic ocean trash and fishing nets. This was a record-breaking haul, more than doubling its previous record from a 25-day mission they undertook the previous year. [2, 3]
The group’s founder and executive director Mary Crowley, aka the “The Ghost Net Buster” is extremely proud of her team. She is responsible for developing highly effective methods to remove large amounts of plastic waste from the Oceans. (3)
“We are utilizing proven nautical equipment to effectively clean-up the oceans while innovating with new technologies,” Crowley said in a press release. “Ocean Voyages Institute has been a leader in researching and accomplishing ocean clean-up for over a decade, granted with less fanfare and attention than others, but with passion and commitment and making meaningful impacts.” (3)
The plan is to upcycle all of the waste that has been collected so that none of it ends up in a landfill. The debris is sorted and used for things such as energy production, insulation, and more. (2, 3)
A Second Mission
Not ones to rest after their first success in June, the crew head out on an even longer, 35-day mission in July 2020. On this trip, they were able to remove another 67 tons of ocean trash from the sea. (4)
In total, they removed 170 tons of ghost nets and plastic debris from the Great Pacific Garbage Patch this summer. This quadruples their record from 2019. (4)
“With plastic set to outnumber fish by 2040, we humans are responsible for the oceans collapsing in my lifetime, and we must set ambitious targets to tackle the problem of plastic in the ocean,” Crowley said on their website. “even with our record-setting clean-up, I know we need to do more, and our 1 million pound goal is my commitment to the essential undertaking of cleaning the oceans of plastic.” (4)
You read that correctly: The institute’s goal is to remove 1 million pounds of plastic from the Pacific Ocean. (4)
What About Covid?
Of course in June 2020, the additional challenge of completing this task was the outbreak of COVID-19 that is still gripping the planet. To ensure the safety of the crew and everyone involved, each person who took part in the voyage completed a three-week self-isolation before launch. They confirmed that each member was healthy and COVID-free before heading into the ocean. (2, 3)
“This summer definitely had its challenges, from COVID-19 and having to quarantine our hard-working crew, to almost not being able to depart on the second leg of our mission due to funding gaps,” said Crowley. “Now I feel like we are on a roll, and the support from around the world has been so encouraging, I know we will reach our million pound goal and keep going cleaning our oceans and encouraging major changes in the use of plastics.” (4)
If you would like to support their cause, you can visit their webpage here to donate and to learn more.
Keep Reading: Deadly skin disease found in dolphins linked to climate change
References


theheartysoul--2020-07-08--Scotland becomes the first country in the world to add LGBTQI history to school curriculum

Scotland has now taken an important step toward combating homophobia and is the first country in the world to include LGBTQI history as a part of their school curriculum .
For centuries , the LGBTQI ( Lesbian , Gay , Bisexual , Transgender , Queer , and Intersex ) community has faced discrimmination , violence , oppression , and persecution at the hands of the church , state , and medical authorities .
In June 2016 , the second-worst mass shooting in US history occurred when one man killed 49 people and injured 50 others at a popular gay nightclub @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The subsequent outpouring of grief , support , and outrage from local and national politicians , police , the public , and the president of the United States demonstrated a shift toward acceptance and support for the LGBTQI community .
This shift , however , did not happen by accident .
It is the result of years of hard work by activists and organizations that have fought for equality and rights for individuals all over the world who don ’ t conform to the binary concept of gender identity and sexuality that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ strides have been made for acceptance and support of these people , we as a society still have a long way to go before full equality and acceptance is achieved .
Still today , in developed countries around the world , members of the LGBTQI community continue to face discrimmination , violence , and hate .
Read : Moms Offer Free Hugs at Pride Parade for Kids Whose Parents Rejected Them Prior to the scientific and political revolutions that occurred in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries , organizations or resources to support someone @ @ @ @ @ @ @ scarce .
Movements to recognize and support these individuals began emerging in the 1870s , and the first gay liberation movement began in Berlin in 1897 .
Throughout the early part of the twentieth century , several gay militant organizations were created throughout several European countries including Germany , the Netherlands , Austria , and Sweden .
In 1951 , the International Committee for Sexual Equality ( ICSE ) , which demanded demanded rights for homosexual men and women , was founded in Amsterdam , and in 1960 the Homosexual Law Reform Society @ @ @ @ @ @ @ towards the decriminalization of same-sex relationships .
Throughout the sixties and seventies , several groups around the world began forming , inspired by the Gay Liberation Front in the United States .
Throughout the eighties and the latter part of the twentieth century , we saw the adoption of the rainbow flag , the use of the LGBT acronym , and the presence of openly gay indviduals in elections , businesses , and as public figures .
In 1993 , the World Health Organization ( WHO ) removed homosexuality from its list of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have seen sexual minority groups come together to lead anti-homophobic movements [ 2 ] .
Over the last 150 years of LGBTQI activism , however , leaders and organizers of social movements have struggled to address the needs of each of the different minority groups who have their own set of concerns and identity issues .
Many of the early movements that gained leverage against homophobia did not necessarily represent the range needs for gay men , women identifying as lesbians , or individuals identifying as gender variant or non-binary [ 3 ] @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the acronym LGBTQI in the twenty-first century , which represents the inclusion of the trans and intersex movements [ 2 ] .
All of this barely scratches the surface of the history of the LGBTQI rights movement , highlighting the need for more education on the struggles these people have faced throughout the centuries .
Read : A 1970 Law Led to the Mass Sterilization of Native American Women .
That History Still Matters Recognizing this need for better education surrounding the history of sexual minority groups , Scotland has become the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ LGBTQI history into its school curriculum [ 4 ] .
The curriculum , which is expected to be fully implemented in schools across the country by 2021 , will include lessons that address issues like homophobia , biphobia , and transphobia , as well as the history of LGBTQI equality and movements .
The legwork for this movement began in 2018 , when Scottish ministers accepted all recommendations by members of the Time for Inclusive Education ( TIE ) campaign , which called for an end of the “ destructive legacy ” of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Section 28 was an amendment to the Local Government Act of 1988 that banned local authorities and schools from “ promoting ” homosexuality .
This meant that councils were prohibited from promoting books , plays , leaflets , films , or any other material that depicted same-sex relationships , and teachers were banned from talking about gay relationships in schools [ 5 ] .
This clause was repealed in Scotland in 2001 , and in the UK in 2003 , but its implications have remained visible today , nearly twenty years after @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the TIE ( Time for Inclusive Education ) Campaign to include LGBTQI education in schools , something that has been left out of the curriculum for years .
Deputy First Minister and Education Secretary John Swinney is very excited that Scotland is the first country to have LGBTQI education embedded in the curriculum , stating that it has already been one of the most progressive countries in Europe for LGBTQI equality .
The damaging effects of section 28 can still be felt in classrooms throughout the UK .
Research conducted in 2017 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ LGBT students were never taught anything about LGBT issues [ 6 ] .
In fact , LBGTQI history has all but been erased in the classroom , and this lack of inclusive education has led to bullying and discrimination against LGBTQI students , and a lack of support from teachers and staff .
Teaching about LGBTQI families will benefit students from these families because they will see themselves represented in the education , and will also help other young people to be more understanding and accepting of their peers who do not conform @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sexual identity .
Keep Reading : Grandfather bravely comes out as gay at 90 years old , proving it ’ s never too late to embrace your true self

Scotland becomes the first country in the world to add LGBTQI history to school curriculum
Scotland has now taken an important step toward combating homophobia and is the first country in the world to include LGBTQI history as a part of their school curriculum.
For centuries, the LGBTQI (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, and Intersex) community has faced discrimmination, violence, oppression, and persecution at the hands of the church, state, and medical authorities.
In June 2016, the second-worst mass shooting in US history occurred when one man killed 49 people and injured 50 others at a popular gay nightclub in Orlando, Florida [1]. The subsequent outpouring of grief, support, and outrage from local and national politicians, police, the public, and the president of the United States demonstrated a shift toward acceptance and support for the LGBTQI community.
This shift, however, did not happen by accident. It is the result of years of hard work by activists and organizations that have fought for equality and rights for individuals all over the world who don’t conform to the binary concept of gender identity and sexuality that society has subscribed to.
While significant strides have been made for acceptance and support of these people, we as a society still have a long way to go before full equality and acceptance is achieved. Still today, in developed countries around the world, members of the LGBTQI community continue to face discrimmination, violence, and hate.
Read: Moms Offer Free Hugs at Pride Parade for Kids Whose Parents Rejected Them
A Brief History of LGBTQI Rights
Prior to the scientific and political revolutions that occurred in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, organizations or resources to support someone who might have identified as LGBTQI were scarce.
Movements to recognize and support these individuals began emerging in the 1870s, and the first gay liberation movement began in Berlin in 1897. Throughout the early part of the twentieth century, several gay militant organizations were created throughout several European countries including Germany, the Netherlands, Austria, and Sweden.
In 1951, the International Committee for Sexual Equality (ICSE), which demanded demanded rights for homosexual men and women, was founded in Amsterdam, and in 1960 the Homosexual Law Reform Society in the United Kingdom began to work towards the decriminalization of same-sex relationships.
Throughout the sixties and seventies, several groups around the world began forming, inspired by the Gay Liberation Front in the United States. Throughout the eighties and the latter part of the twentieth century, we saw the adoption of the rainbow flag, the use of the LGBT acronym, and the presence of openly gay indviduals in elections, businesses, and as public figures.
In 1993, the World Health Organization (WHO) removed homosexuality from its list of mental illnesses, and since then we have seen sexual minority groups come together to lead anti-homophobic movements [2].
Over the last 150 years of LGBTQI activism, however, leaders and organizers of social movements have struggled to address the needs of each of the different minority groups who have their own set of concerns and identity issues. Many of the early movements that gained leverage against homophobia did not necessarily represent the range needs for gay men, women identifying as lesbians, or individuals identifying as gender variant or non-binary [3].
This has led to the adoption of the acronym LGBTQI in the twenty-first century, which represents the inclusion of the trans and intersex movements [2].
All of this barely scratches the surface of the history of the LGBTQI rights movement, highlighting the need for more education on the struggles these people have faced throughout the centuries.
Read: A 1970 Law Led to the Mass Sterilization of Native American Women. That History Still Matters
Scotland LGBTQ+ History
Recognizing this need for better education surrounding the history of sexual minority groups, Scotland has become the first country in the world to include LGBTQI history into its school curriculum [4].
The curriculum, which is expected to be fully implemented in schools across the country by 2021, will include lessons that address issues like homophobia, biphobia, and transphobia, as well as the history of LGBTQI equality and movements.
The legwork for this movement began in 2018, when Scottish ministers accepted all recommendations by members of the Time for Inclusive Education (TIE) campaign, which called for an end of the “destructive legacy” of a piece of legislation called section 28.
Section 28 was an amendment to the Local Government Act of 1988 that banned local authorities and schools from “promoting” homosexuality. This meant that councils were prohibited from promoting books, plays, leaflets, films, or any other material that depicted same-sex relationships, and teachers were banned from talking about gay relationships in schools [5].
This clause was repealed in Scotland in 2001, and in the UK in 2003, but its implications have remained visible today, nearly twenty years after its removal. This was the impetus for the TIE (Time for Inclusive Education) Campaign to include LGBTQI education in schools, something that has been left out of the curriculum for years.
“This is a monumental victory for our campaign, and a historic moment for our country,” said TIE co-founder Jordan Daly. “The implementation of LGBTI inclusive education across all state schools is a world first. In a time of global uncertainty, this sends a strong and clear message to LGBTI young people that they are valued here in Scotland” [4].
Deputy First Minister and Education Secretary John Swinney is very excited that Scotland is the first country to have LGBTQI education embedded in the curriculum, stating that it has already been one of the most progressive countries in Europe for LGBTQI equality.
The Importance of Inclusive Education
The damaging effects of section 28 can still be felt in classrooms throughout the UK. Research conducted in 2017 by Stonewall revealed that forty percent of LGBT students were never taught anything about LGBT issues [6].
In fact, LBGTQI history has all but been erased in the classroom, and this lack of inclusive education has led to bullying and discrimination against LGBTQI students, and a lack of support from teachers and staff.
Teaching about LGBTQI families will benefit students from these families because they will see themselves represented in the education, and will also help other young people to be more understanding and accepting of their peers who do not conform to a binary model of gender and sexual identity.
“Inclusive education helps to create inclusive communities,” says Paul Twocock, interim executive chief at Stonewall. “Building a more welcoming society requires building bridges between diverse groups. If all schools teach acceptance – no exceptions – then that would be a good first step to healing some of the division that we’ve seen in society over the past decade” [7].
Keep Reading: Grandfather bravely comes out as gay at 90 years old, proving it’s never too late to embrace your true self


theheartysoul--2020-07-08--No One Came to His Graduation So His Teacher Decided to Celebrate With Him Instead

Some classes won ’ t have an official graduation ceremony this year because of the current pandemic .
The classes in safer areas must be thrilled to have the experience of officially graduating and celebrating their academic accomplishments .
However , a graduation can become miserable if your family doesn ’ t bother to show up .
That ’ s what happened to one teenager mid-June 2020 .
Read : This Husband Sat Outside His Wife ’ s Cancer Treatment Center with Homemade Signs His Teacher Realized No Once Came to This Teen ’ s Graduation Dominique Moore is a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ High School .
He was tidying up after the ceremony when he found one of students sitting alone long after everyone else had left .
“ I know his moods and I knew he wasn ’ t himself , ‘ ’ Moore said .
“ I asked him , ‘ Where are your people ?
’ and he was like , ‘ Nobody ’ s here.
‘ ’ ’ Moore responded with “ I expect big things from you and it ’ s going to be OK. ‘ ’ He hoped that someone @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Yet when he was finished with the cleanup , the teen was still there .
He didn ’ t have a ride home , so Moore offered him a lift .
In the car , Moore asked the student if he was hungry and said he ’ d take him wherever he wants to eat .
The teen suggested getting wings at a popular chain , but Moore wanted to take him somewhere a little more special .
“ He said , ‘ How about Cheesecake Factory ?
I ’ ve heard about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ ” And that ’ s where the two of them headed .
[ 1 ] The teen was still dressed in his graduation cap when he enjoyed a shrimp basket with fries and Oreo cheesecake , something he had never tried before .
Moore had also graduated from Bessemer City High School and he struggled to contain his emotions throughout the meal .
“ Man , I couldn ’ t imagine graduating high school and my folks not being there , ” he said .
He didn ’ t pry into the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ why the teen ’ s family didn ’ t show up .
“ I didn ’ t care , ” Moore said .
“ At that moment , I just wanted to celebrate him .
It was an amazing time.
” After all , it ’ s not every day a teen graduates high school .
He deserved to feel appreciated for his accomplishments .
Withing hours of graduating school , the teen had a job at Amazon .
He had no means of transportation to his new workplace so Moore drove him @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Read : Hotel Stays Open During Lockdowns to House Homeless Locals , And They ’ re Repaying the Favor With Odd Jobs When the day was over , Moore did something he doesn ’ t normally do .
He posted the whole story onto Facebook .
“ These situations are common to me and I handle them on my own , ” he said .
“ You don ’ t always have to show everybody or tell everybody when you do something but this one just didn ’ t sit well with me @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it was.
” Moore included his Cash App account — $ mooredaeducator — in the post in case anyone would like to help the teen .
As of June 19 , over $ 5,000 has been donated to the young graduate .
[ 2 ] When Moore picked him up from work , he took him to a bank to open a checking account .
The majority of the money was put into a cashier ’ s check while they find a reliable source of transportation for the teen .
He hopes that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ enough money to attend college in the future .
“ I ’ m feeling amazing , that so many people would bless him in the way they have , ” Moore told Good News Network , nine days after he started the fundraiser .
“ He has received a great deal of funds which have been turned over to a financial advisor.
” [ 3 ] Moore and his student were blown away by the kindness and generosity people have shown them .
“ He is ecstatic .
He was about to cry @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you will not cry in front of me , ‘ ’ ’ Moore said .
He concluded saying , “ We take people and life for granted .
Even though we have bad , in this moment it shows that mankind is good.
” Read : Teenage ‘ Angel ’ Cashier Picks Up $ 173 Grocery Bill for Senior Shopper Who Found Himself Short on Cash This story resonated with his viewers and many have praised Moore for his kindness and expressed encouragement for the teen .
This baby needed a village and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Big congrats on your graduation !
You are going to do amazing things .
Your teacher will definitely be rewarded for his Kindness .
This is such a heartwarming story .
Best of luck to you and your future .
Most of all Be Blessed !
shared user MaryAnn Schulz Helterbrand .
Tiffany Luster expressed : 1st of all congratulations !
Now you take whatever you ’ re feeling and you use it to set the world on fire .
Use that as your motivation to push harder and harder and make sure @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that car and continue to pass it forward !
!
[ 4 ] Keep Reading : Nurse Gives 8-Year-Old Boy Part of Her Liver in an Amazing Act of Kindness

No One Came to His Graduation So His Teacher Decided to Celebrate With Him Instead
Some classes won’t have an official graduation ceremony this year because of the current pandemic. The classes in safer areas must be thrilled to have the experience of officially graduating and celebrating their academic accomplishments. However, a graduation can become miserable if your family doesn’t bother to show up. That’s what happened to one teenager mid-June 2020.
His Teacher Realized No Once Came to This Teen’s Graduation
Dominique Moore is a teacher and graduation coordinator at Bessemer City High School. He was tidying up after the ceremony when he found one of students sitting alone long after everyone else had left.
“I know his moods and I knew he wasn’t himself,‘’ Moore said. “I asked him, ‘Where are your people?’ and he was like, ‘Nobody’s here.‘’’
Moore responded with “I expect big things from you and it’s going to be OK.‘’ He hoped that someone was coming to pick him up. Yet when he was finished with the cleanup, the teen was still there. He didn’t have a ride home, so Moore offered him a lift.
In the car, Moore asked the student if he was hungry and said he’d take him wherever he wants to eat. The teen suggested getting wings at a popular chain, but Moore wanted to take him somewhere a little more special.
“He said, ‘How about Cheesecake Factory? I’ve heard about it but I’ve never been.’” And that’s where the two of them headed. [1]
The teen was still dressed in his graduation cap when he enjoyed a shrimp basket with fries and Oreo cheesecake, something he had never tried before.
Moore had also graduated from Bessemer City High School and he struggled to contain his emotions throughout the meal.
“Man, I couldn’t imagine graduating high school and my folks not being there,” he said.
He didn’t pry into the teen’s personal life or ask why the teen’s family didn’t show up. “I didn’t care,” Moore said. “At that moment, I just wanted to celebrate him. It was an amazing time.” After all, it’s not every day a teen graduates high school. He deserved to feel appreciated for his accomplishments.
Withing hours of graduating school, the teen had a job at Amazon. He had no means of transportation to his new workplace so Moore drove him there and picked him up afterward.
Raising Money for the Teen
When the day was over, Moore did something he doesn’t normally do. He posted the whole story onto Facebook. “These situations are common to me and I handle them on my own,” he said. “You don’t always have to show everybody or tell everybody when you do something but this one just didn’t sit well with me. I don’t know what it was.”
Moore included his Cash App account — $mooredaeducator — in the post in case anyone would like to help the teen. As of June 19, over $5,000 has been donated to the young graduate. [2]
When Moore picked him up from work, he took him to a bank to open a checking account. The majority of the money was put into a cashier’s check while they find a reliable source of transportation for the teen. He hopes that he’ll be able to save enough money to attend college in the future.
“I’m feeling amazing, that so many people would bless him in the way they have,” Moore told Good News Network, nine days after he started the fundraiser. “He has received a great deal of funds which have been turned over to a financial advisor.” [3]
Moore and his student were blown away by the kindness and generosity people have shown them. “He is ecstatic. He was about to cry and I said, ‘No, you will not cry in front of me,‘’’ Moore said.
He concluded saying, “We take people and life for granted. Even though we have bad, in this moment it shows that mankind is good.”
The Response to Dominique Moore’s Good Deeds
This story resonated with his viewers and many have praised Moore for his kindness and expressed encouragement for the teen.
This baby needed a village and WE ARE HERE! Ash Norris commented
Big congrats on your graduation! You are going to do amazing things. Your teacher will definitely be rewarded for his Kindness. This is such a heartwarming story. Best of luck to you and your future. Most of all Be Blessed! shared user MaryAnn Schulz Helterbrand.
Tiffany Luster expressed: 1st of all congratulations! Now you take whatever you’re feeling and you use it to set the world on fire. Use that as your motivation to push harder and harder and make sure you remember the day you got into that car and continue to pass it forward!! [4]