theheartysoul--2020-10-28--Since 1950, It Has Been ‘Illegal To Die’ In The Arctic Town Of Longyearbyen

There are quite a few laws and regulations that a lot of people disagree with .
Of course , you ’ ve probably never heard of a law that makes it illegal to die .
Located in Longyearbyen in Norway ’ s Svalbard Islands , the community has a law that makes it illegal to be buried when you die .
Even though this seems a bit extreme , there is a good reason why the town made this law in the first place .
Why Is It ‘ Illegal To Die ’ ?
The reason why this law exists @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be able to avoid as well as prevent contagious diseases .
Since the temperatures are freezing in Longyearbyen , corpses weren ’ t decomposing due to permafrost .
This meant that the intact bodies are able to harbor deadly diseases .
This has the potential to re-infect the entire community as the bodies thaw from permafrost .
( 1 ) Since 1950 , the community of Longyearbyen made it illegal for a person to die anywhere near the town .
Even if you ’ re someone who has lived there your entire life @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to die there .
In fact , if a person in the town is close or near death , they will be flown off of the island .
If a person dies while in the town of Longyearbyen , then the body will be buried elsewhere .
( 1 ) Read : Finally , It Is Legal To Breastfeed In Public In ALL 50 States Is Making It Illegal To Die Excessive ?
When you think about how small the community is and how few people die there , it ’ s not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s a precaution that will prevent more people from getting horribly sick .
Longyearbyen ’ s decision to do this was a response to an anthrax outbreak that occurred in northern Siberia in 1941 .
The outbreak was a result of reindeer carcasses thawing from permafrost that infected the whole community .
( 2 ) This happened again in northern Siberia in 2016 , where another anthrax outbreak infected and killed over 2,300 reindeer .
The outbreak also hospitalized around 90 people and unfortunately killed one boy .
This time the outbreak @ @ @ @ @ @ @ problem as corpses thawed .
Believe it or not , global warming plays a huge role .
More and more deadly diseases preserved in permafrost have the potential to become alive again with the raise in hot temperatures of the planet .
( 2 ) AdvertisementWith stories like this happening in such a short period of time really makes you think .
Perhaps having a law that makes it illegal to die isn ’ t such a bad idea after all .
Especially since there ’ s no end in sight with the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been giving the past decade .
Read : Somalia To Allow Child Marriages After First Menstrual Cycle , Little Girls Can Be Forced To Marry Why This Is Scary A disease such as anthrax occurs when it spores and enters a wound or cut on an animal .
Essentially , all of the intact deer that were frozen in permafrost had come in contact with anthrax spores .
Though this disease does not spread easily , it survives mostly by living in the soil until infecting the first thing it touches .
Shockingly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ soil for over a century before infecting anything .
Anthrax is treatable with antibiotics , however , treatment must take place immediately upon being infected .
( 2 ) AdvertisementIt ’ s incredible how long diseases like anthrax are able to exist just by living in a frozen corpse .
To give you another example , in 1998 , traces of the Spanish Influenza had been found from a corpse that perished in 1917 .
A team of scientists wore modified spacesuits in order to retrieve samples from the bodies found in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s no wonder that a town like Longyearbyen has made it illegal to die there .
After everything that has happened with the Spanish flu as well as anthrax , I would vote yes on a law that makes it illegal to die .
Precautions like this law are meant to save lives not only in the present but in the future as well .
Since Longyearbyen made it illegal to die , there hasn ’ t been a single outbreak in the community .
Of course , this law isn ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the town .
In fact , it has mostly to do with what happens to your body after you die and not the act of dying itself .
Consider this legislation to be a standard procedure in which they take consideration of where to bury bodies that won ’ t be encased in diseased permafrozen tombs .
( 4 ) The law itself doesn ’ t actually state that you can not die in the town of Longyearbyen .
People can die all they want , there isn ’ t a punishment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ end up passing away in the town .
No one pays a fine , serves jail time , or anything of the sort .
Of course , they will just have to figure out what to do with your body ( i.e cremation ) , which may include being moved away from the town .
( 5 ) Keep reading : New Law Would Let Families Put Cameras in Nursing Home Rooms

There are quite a few laws and regulations that a lot of people disagree with. Of course, you’ve probably never heard of a law that makes it illegal to die. Located in Longyearbyen in Norway’s Svalbard Islands, the community has a law that makes it illegal to be buried when you die. Even though this seems a bit extreme, there is a good reason why the town made this law in the first place.
Why Is It ‘Illegal To Die’?
The reason why this law exists is a precaution for the town to be able to avoid as well as prevent contagious diseases. Since the temperatures are freezing in Longyearbyen, corpses weren’t decomposing due to permafrost. This meant that the intact bodies are able to harbor deadly diseases. This has the potential to re-infect the entire community as the bodies thaw from permafrost. (1)
Since 1950, the community of Longyearbyen made it illegal for a person to die anywhere near the town. Even if you’re someone who has lived there your entire life, it is still illegal for you to die there. In fact, if a person in the town is close or near death, they will be flown off of the island. If a person dies while in the town of Longyearbyen, then the body will be buried elsewhere. (1)
Is Making It Illegal To Die Excessive?
When you think about how small the community is and how few people die there, it’s not a bad idea. Especially if it’s a precaution that will prevent more people from getting horribly sick. Longyearbyen’s decision to do this was a response to an anthrax outbreak that occurred in northern Siberia in 1941. The outbreak was a result of reindeer carcasses thawing from permafrost that infected the whole community. (2)
This happened again in northern Siberia in 2016, where another anthrax outbreak infected and killed over 2,300 reindeer. The outbreak also hospitalized around 90 people and unfortunately killed one boy. This time the outbreak happened during a heatwave that amplified the problem as corpses thawed. Believe it or not, global warming plays a huge role. More and more deadly diseases preserved in permafrost have the potential to become alive again with the raise in hot temperatures of the planet. (2)
With stories like this happening in such a short period of time really makes you think. Perhaps having a law that makes it illegal to die isn’t such a bad idea after all. Especially since there’s no end in sight with the record breaking hot temperatures the world has been giving the past decade.
Why This Is Scary
A disease such as anthrax occurs when it spores and enters a wound or cut on an animal. Essentially, all of the intact deer that were frozen in permafrost had come in contact with anthrax spores. Though this disease does not spread easily, it survives mostly by living in the soil until infecting the first thing it touches. Shockingly, anthrax spores can remain hidden in soil for over a century before infecting anything. Anthrax is treatable with antibiotics, however, treatment must take place immediately upon being infected. (2)
It’s incredible how long diseases like anthrax are able to exist just by living in a frozen corpse. To give you another example, in 1998, traces of the Spanish Influenza had been found from a corpse that perished in 1917. A team of scientists wore modified spacesuits in order to retrieve samples from the bodies found in the local graveyard. (3)
It’s no wonder that a town like Longyearbyen has made it illegal to die there. After everything that has happened with the Spanish flu as well as anthrax, I would vote yes on a law that makes it illegal to die. Precautions like this law are meant to save lives not only in the present but in the future as well.
Laws And Precautions For Safety
Since Longyearbyen made it illegal to die, there hasn’t been a single outbreak in the community. Of course, this law isn’t meant to deter newcomers from living in the town. In fact, it has mostly to do with what happens to your body after you die and not the act of dying itself. Consider this legislation to be a standard procedure in which they take consideration of where to bury bodies that won’t be encased in diseased permafrozen tombs. (4)
The law itself doesn’t actually state that you cannot die in the town of Longyearbyen. People can die all they want, there isn’t a punishment put in place for those that do end up passing away in the town. No one pays a fine, serves jail time, or anything of the sort. Of course, they will just have to figure out what to do with your body (i.e cremation), which may include being moved away from the town. (5)
Keep reading: New Law Would Let Families Put Cameras in Nursing Home Rooms


theheartysoul--2020-10-27--Solar Is Officially The ‘Cheapest Electricity In History’

When it comes to making the transition to renewable energy , there is one concern on everyone ’ s minds : the cost .
If renewables are more expensive than oil or gas , using them for large-scale power generation is not feasible .
A recent report , however , has found that solar power cost is lower than every other form of energy generation .
The International Energy Agency ( IEA ) recently released its World Energy Outlook 2020 .
The report made a number of important observations and predictions , but among them , one stood out : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ major rise in renewables .
Specifically , the IEA predicts 43 percent more solar output by 2040 than it originally predicted in 2018 .
Why ?
Because solar power is twenty to fifty percent cheaper than they thought [ 1 ] .
According to the report , solar power currently offers some of the cheapest power ever seen .
In areas that have the best policy support and finance , the report found that solar power can generate electricity at or below US twenty dollars per megawatt hour .
This is significantly less @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this cost to continue to fall .
In particular , the IEA expects solar costs in India to drop 65 percent over the next two decades .
Scientists are saying that the next ten years will be crucial in reversing the current trajectory of climate change .
Countries need to convert to clean and renewable energy if we want to reduce emissions from fossil fuels [ 3 ] .
AdvertisementDespite this , the IEA expects global carbon emission to increase in 2021 .
In their report , they pushed for clean energy investment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reducing emissions .
Only the UK , Canada , New Zealand , South Korea , and the EU , however , have actually done this .
Dr. Fatih Birol , the IEA Executive Director , says that only faster structural changes to the way we produce and consume energy can lead to a permanent decline in global CO2 emissions .
Read : ‘ Anti-Solar ’ Cells Could Keep the Power Going at Night AdvertisementExperts are predicting that the COVID-19 crisis will cause a dramatic decline in global energy demand in 2020 .
Fossil @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the largest decline .
The researchers outlined four possible scenarios for the future as the pandemic progresses .
One of these scenarios includes the possibility of the world getting COVID-19 under control by 2021 , and the demand for energy bouncing back .
Eighty percent of this growth will come from renewables to 2030 .
That possible future , however , assumes that governments don ’ t push for more sustainable energy than they did before the pandemic .
The IEA says that there has been a “ structural shift ” away from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ predict that coal will rise marginally over the next few years , but begin to decline after 2025 .
This fall , however , will not be enough to meet the Paric target , which is well-below two degrees [ 1 ] .
The report outlined that in order to reach the ultimate of net-zero carbon emissions , it will require contributions from the power sector , energy end-use , as well as individual behaviour changes .
Of course , the power sector will contribute the largest portion of the savings , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ how individual behaviour change is crucial to achieving net-zero emissions.Advertisement Simple actions like cutting down on flights and turning down air conditioning , will contribute significantly to reaching that goal .
Still , the report estimates that sixty percent of these changes will be influenced by governments , who implement legislation such as controlling car use in cities .
In fact , people ’ s transport choices will be the largest contributor to emissions savings by individuals [ 1 ] .
As more companies shift to work-from-home policies , this could cause a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The report estimated that if even just twenty percent of workers around the globe could work from home one day per week , we could save eighteen million tonnes of CO2 in 2030 [ 1 ] .
While there is still much work to be done in order to reach the decreased levels of emissions required to prevent climate change , the decreasing cost of solar power bodes well for sustainable energy production .
The shift to more renewables , however , depends on governmental support from every nation .
As solar power @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cost efficiency , more governments will begin pushing for renewable energy .
Hopefully , that will mean that over the next decade solar power , along with other renewables , will become our go-to source to power our homes , communities , and countries .
Keep Reading : World ’ s Largest Solar Farm to Be Built in Australia – But They Won ’ t Get The Power

When it comes to making the transition to renewable energy, there is one concern on everyone’s minds: the cost. If renewables are more expensive than oil or gas, using them for large-scale power generation is not feasible. A recent report, however, has found that solar power cost is lower than every other form of energy generation.
Solar Power Cost Dropping
The International Energy Agency (IEA) recently released its World Energy Outlook 2020. The report made a number of important observations and predictions, but among them, one stood out: by 2040, we will see a major rise in renewables.
Specifically, the IEA predicts 43 percent more solar output by 2040 than it originally predicted in 2018. Why? Because solar power is twenty to fifty percent cheaper than they thought [1].
According to the report, solar power currently offers some of the cheapest power ever seen. In areas that have the best policy support and finance, the report found that solar power can generate electricity at or below US twenty dollars per megawatt hour. This is significantly less than coal or gas. Experts expect this cost to continue to fall.
In particular, the IEA expects solar costs in India to drop 65 percent over the next two decades.
“Within half the lifespan of a new coal-fired power plant, solar will be essentially free in one of the largest electricity markets in the world,” said Tim Buckley, from the Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis. “It’s all about the economics, it’s all about the capital flows, and global capital is flowing into renewables and running for the door on fossil fuels.” [2]
Solar Power Cost and Climate Change
Scientists are saying that the next ten years will be crucial in reversing the current trajectory of climate change. Countries need to convert to clean and renewable energy if we want to reduce emissions from fossil fuels [3].
Despite this, the IEA expects global carbon emission to increase in 2021. In their report, they pushed for clean energy investment to create economic growth and jobs while reducing emissions. Only the UK, Canada, New Zealand, South Korea, and the EU, however, have actually done this.
Dr. Fatih Birol, the IEA Executive Director, says that only faster structural changes to the way we produce and consume energy can lead to a permanent decline in global CO2 emissions.
“Governments have the capacity and the responsibility to take decisive actions to accelerate clean energy transitions and put the world on a path to reaching our climate goals, including net-zero emissions,” she says [3].
COVID-19: An Environmental Opportunity
Experts are predicting that the COVID-19 crisis will cause a dramatic decline in global energy demand in 2020. Fossil fuels, they say, will see the largest decline. The researchers outlined four possible scenarios for the future as the pandemic progresses.
One of these scenarios includes the possibility of the world getting COVID-19 under control by 2021, and the demand for energy bouncing back. Eighty percent of this growth will come from renewables to 2030. That possible future, however, assumes that governments don’t push for more sustainable energy than they did before the pandemic.
“I see solar becoming the new king of the world’s electricity markets,” Dr Birol said [2].
The IEA says that there has been a “structural shift” away from coal after the coronavirus. The researchers predict that coal will rise marginally over the next few years, but begin to decline after 2025. This fall, however, will not be enough to meet the Paric target, which is well-below two degrees [1].
Reaching Net-Zero Emissions
The report outlined that in order to reach the ultimate of net-zero carbon emissions, it will require contributions from the power sector, energy end-use, as well as individual behaviour changes.
Of course, the power sector will contribute the largest portion of the savings, but the report gave a detailed analysis on how individual behaviour change is crucial to achieving net-zero emissions.
Simple actions like cutting down on flights and turning down air conditioning, will contribute significantly to reaching that goal.
Still, the report estimates that sixty percent of these changes will be influenced by governments, who implement legislation such as controlling car use in cities. In fact, people’s transport choices will be the largest contributor to emissions savings by individuals [1].
As more companies shift to work-from-home policies, this could cause a massive decrease in global CO2 emissions. The report estimated that if even just twenty percent of workers around the globe could work from home one day per week, we could save eighteen million tonnes of CO2 in 2030 [1].
Low Solar Power Costs for a Bright Future
While there is still much work to be done in order to reach the decreased levels of emissions required to prevent climate change, the decreasing cost of solar power bodes well for sustainable energy production.
The shift to more renewables, however, depends on governmental support from every nation.
“The era of global oil demand growth will come to an end in the next decade,” Dr Birol said. “But without a large shift in government policies, there is no sign of a rapid decline. Based on today’s policy settings, a global economic rebound would soon push oil demand back to pre-crisis levels.” [3]
As solar power surpasses oil and coal in terms of cost efficiency, more governments will begin pushing for renewable energy. Hopefully, that will mean that over the next decade solar power, along with other renewables, will become our go-to source to power our homes, communities, and countries.
Keep Reading: World’s Largest Solar Farm to Be Built in Australia – But They Won’t Get The Power


theheartysoul--2020-10-27--Breastfeeding mom fights back after professor ‘humiliated’ her in front of entire class

Every mom out there knows that when a baby needs to be fed , they need to be fed now , not later .
In some ways , COVID-19 has made this easier for working or studying moms , and in other ways , this has made it much more difficult .
After being humiliated in front of her entire class by a professor , this breastfeeding mom clapped back on Facebook .
She wants to prove that moms can do it all .
( 1 ) Fresno City College California student Marcella has a 10-month-old daughter .
Often during @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be fed .
When that happens , she ’ ll simply turn off her camera and microphone and continue to take notes while she feeds her little girl .
( 1 ) She then received an email from one of her professors saying that all students are required to turn their cameras and microphones on during class time .
This makes it easier for professors to make sure students are paying attention during class time .
( 1 ) Marcella , a breastfeeding mom , replied to her professor ’ s email to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that she had no problems following the rules , however , asked if it was okay for her to be exempted if/when her daughter needed to be fed .
( 1 ) She was shocked by the response she got from her professor .
The response was completely negative .
( 1 ) AdvertisementBefore Marcella even had an opportunity to respond , she then received a second email .
This one was sent not just to her , but to her entire class .
( 1 ) The email reads : Marcella was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Prioritize class over the needs of her child , especially when she is fully capable of attending to both at the same time ?
( 1 ) She decided that she was not going to accept this rude and ignorant behavior .
Marcella knew she had to take a stand for her fellow breastfeeding moms out there .
( 1 ) AdvertisementMarcella had a photo of herself sitting in front of her computer taking notes while simultaneously breastfeeding her baby girl .
She originally was going to keep it just for herself , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , she decided it was important for everyone to see .
( 1 ) She went on to explain just what was so wrong with her professor ’ s response : She then reached out to the school ’ s Title TX coordinator , who immediately apologized to her .
She was given permission to turn off her camera and mich to breastfeed her child whenever she needed it .
( 1 ) Fresno City College Public Information Officer Kelly Bonilla has since confirmed that there is actually a law in California that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pregnant or with young children , including lactation needs .
( 1 ) Though Marcella has since dropped the class for unrelated reasons , she has brought to light an important issue that women and young parents face in both the academic and work setting .
( 1 ) Women and parents must be supported so they can have both careers and families , with no exceptions.Advertisement Keep Reading : The Science Is In : Breastfeeding Beyond Babyhood is Not Abnormal

Every mom out there knows that when a baby needs to be fed, they need to be fed now, not later. In some ways, COVID-19 has made this easier for working or studying moms, and in other ways, this has made it much more difficult. After being humiliated in front of her entire class by a professor, this breastfeeding mom clapped back on Facebook. She wants to prove that moms can do it all. (1)
No Accommodation for Breastfeeding Mom
Fresno City College California student Marcella has a 10-month-old daughter. Often during class time, her child needs to be fed. When that happens, she’ll simply turn off her camera and microphone and continue to take notes while she feeds her little girl. (1)
She then received an email from one of her professors saying that all students are required to turn their cameras and microphones on during class time. This makes it easier for professors to make sure students are paying attention during class time. (1)
Marcella, a breastfeeding mom, replied to her professor’s email to explain her situation. She told them that she had no problems following the rules, however, asked if it was okay for her to be exempted if/when her daughter needed to be fed. (1)
She was shocked by the response she got from her professor. The response was completely negative. (1)
“I am glad to hear that you can have your camera and microphone on, but please do not breastfeed your daughter during class time because it is not what you should be doing,” the instructor replied. “Just do that after class.” (1)
I never write long posts but this is a good one! • • • I didn’t want to post this picture because I just wanted it for… Posted by Marcella Mares on Thursday, September 24, 2020
Breastfeeding Mom Humiliated
Before Marcella even had an opportunity to respond, she then received a second email. This one was sent not just to her, but to her entire class. (1) The email reads:
“I got this really weird email from a student stating she needed to do inappropriate things during lecture time. You guys need to understand that you have priorities now and you need to put all those distractions aside or be creative when your child needs you and give your full attention in my class.” (1)
Marcella was both embarrassed and angry. Inappropriate? Prioritize class over the needs of her child, especially when she is fully capable of attending to both at the same time? (1)
She decided that she was not going to accept this rude and ignorant behavior. Marcella knew she had to take a stand for her fellow breastfeeding moms out there. (1)
The Facebook Clap Back
Marcella had a photo of herself sitting in front of her computer taking notes while simultaneously breastfeeding her baby girl. She originally was going to keep it just for herself, but after her professor’s comments, she decided it was important for everyone to see. (1)
“I didn’t want to post this picture because I just wanted it for me but I just wanted to show that I CAN focus in class WHILE breastfeeding my child,” she wrote in her caption on Facebook. (1)
She went on to explain just what was so wrong with her professor’s response:
“It was one thing to send the email telling me what I can and can’t do in my house with my child. But it’s a whole other thing when he announced a “weird” email was received about ‘inappropriate’ things. I felt so unmotivated during class I was so hurt that an actual human said these things about me & my breastfed baby in public to other students. I was humiliated.” (1)
She then reached out to the school’s Title TX coordinator, who immediately apologized to her. She was given permission to turn off her camera and mich to breastfeed her child whenever she needed it. (1)
School Policy
Fresno City College Public Information Officer Kelly Bonilla has since confirmed that there is actually a law in California that requires schools to accommodate students who are pregnant or with young children, including lactation needs. (1)
Though Marcella has since dropped the class for unrelated reasons, she has brought to light an important issue that women and young parents face in both the academic and work setting. (1) Women and parents must be supported so they can have both careers and families, with no exceptions.


theheartysoul--2020-10-27--These 5 Hacks Will Lower Your Energy Bills

Winter is right around the corner and you probably already know what that means .
That ’ s right , your heating bill is going to go through the roof !
As Summer is coming to an end and we are forced indoors due to the unforgiving cold , you ’ re going to want to save some money .
Here are five awesome hacks that will help you lower your energy bills during the cold seasons and help you keep warm .
Sometimes old Victorian homes can be some of the most blustery and drafty just from how old @ @ @ @ @ @ @ plastic coverings , and other thick materials over your thin windows can prove very useful during the cold months .
If you live in an older house then you might already know about this technique .
( 1 ) It ’ s not exactly the most glamorous or appealing look inside your home , but this method helps a lot .
Just finding thick blankets that are sizable enough to fit over your windows can help keep your home warm .
The thick blanket serves as an extra membrane for your window panes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ air in your house will stay put and keep the cold air outside where it belongs .
All the while , saving you some money on your energy bills while staying warm at the same time .
This technique might seem a little tedious at first but can save you quite a few pennies on energy bills .
All you have to do is find every electrical device that has a plug and unplug it before you go to bed .
This might not seem like it ’ s going to do much @ @ @ @ @ @ @ surprised how much energy you use at night .
Devices that stay plugged in for 24 hours a day can make up to 5-10 % of your energy bills .
( 1 ) When all of the people of your house become tired , just kindly ask them to unplug before they go to sleep .
Obviously , leave your lamps and heaters plugged in .
Focus more on larger appliances that you don ’ t use at night .
To be completely thorough , you might just want to unplug everything that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ AdvertisementThis is another helpful tip for those that live in drafty old homes .
If you don ’ t want to try the window coverings then using weather strips could prove to be a better option .
To be thorough , you might consider both methods .
This will help you save on your energy bills .
All you have to do is buy some weather stripping clay and locate the drafty cracks in your doors and windows .
Take the weather stripping and mold it to cover the opening entirely .
You @ @ @ @ @ @ @ weather stripping clay but obviously , use as much as you need to make it effective .
There is also foam weather stripping as well if you prefer that material instead .
( 1 ) People tend to use weather strips on windows or doors that they don ’ t plan on opening that very often .
The reason is once you have the weather stripping in place , it ’ s kind of hard to remold it back the way you want it .
However , using weather strips can lower the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ purpose they serve is to seal openings that might let warm air leak out or cold air seep in .
AdvertisementA lot of people don ’ t realize this but manufacturers will purposely set your water heater at a high setting .
It ’ s always a good idea to go check what your water heater is set to and adjust it for the coming temperature changes .
Modern water heaters should have a dial that you can use to set the temperature you want it at .
This is the temp your @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the day and not just when you use it .
It takes energy to heat your water so you ’ ll want to turn it down a little bit !
This can lower your energy bills significantly over the course of fall and winter .
Even just setting it to “ hot ” instead of “ very hot ” , or whatever the highest setting may be , will greatly reduce your spending .
( 1 ) This may come as no surprise to a lot of people , but lowering the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of money on your energy bills .
Even though you might get a little colder with lowered heat , you will definitely see the stark differences in how much money you will save .
Especially if you adopt the other methods mentioned before .
( 1 ) Of course , it ’ s not ideal to have to lower the heating in your household but if you ’ re at home alone with no one else this might be a great idea .
Another thing to consider is that you can bundle up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ If you have others living with you , it might be worth taking the time to sit down and talk about what your house should do to save money .
A combination of all of these techniques could save you a lot this freezing season .
The biggest thing to focus on how is keeping as much hot air in your house as you can and minimizing the amount of electricity you use .
Remember to layer yourself in blankets and thick clothes to also help ward against the biting cold.Advertisement Keep reading @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Things Every Shopper Should Know

Winter is right around the corner and you probably already know what that means. That’s right, your heating bill is going to go through the roof! As Summer is coming to an end and we are forced indoors due to the unforgiving cold, you’re going to want to save some money. Here are five awesome hacks that will help you lower your energy bills during the cold seasons and help you keep warm.
1. Use Window Coverings
Sometimes old Victorian homes can be some of the most blustery and drafty just from how old the windows are. Using blankets, plastic coverings, and other thick materials over your thin windows can prove very useful during the cold months. If you live in an older house then you might already know about this technique. (1)
It’s not exactly the most glamorous or appealing look inside your home, but this method helps a lot. Just finding thick blankets that are sizable enough to fit over your windows can help keep your home warm. The thick blanket serves as an extra membrane for your window panes. This means all of the warm air in your house will stay put and keep the cold air outside where it belongs. All the while, saving you some money on your energy bills while staying warm at the same time.
Read: 14 Simple Tricks to Make Your Life Easier
2. Unplug At Night To Lower Energy Bills
This technique might seem a little tedious at first but can save you quite a few pennies on energy bills. All you have to do is find every electrical device that has a plug and unplug it before you go to bed. This might not seem like it’s going to do much, however, you’d be surprised how much energy you use at night. Devices that stay plugged in for 24 hours a day can make up to 5-10% of your energy bills. (1)
When all of the people of your house become tired, just kindly ask them to unplug before they go to sleep. Obviously, leave your lamps and heaters plugged in. Focus more on larger appliances that you don’t use at night. To be completely thorough, you might just want to unplug everything that has a cord attached to it.
3. Weather Strips On Openings
This is another helpful tip for those that live in drafty old homes. If you don’t want to try the window coverings then using weather strips could prove to be a better option. To be thorough, you might consider both methods. This will help you save on your energy bills.
All you have to do is buy some weather stripping clay and locate the drafty cracks in your doors and windows. Take the weather stripping and mold it to cover the opening entirely. You only need a little bit of the weather stripping clay but obviously, use as much as you need to make it effective. There is also foam weather stripping as well if you prefer that material instead. (1)
People tend to use weather strips on windows or doors that they don’t plan on opening that very often. The reason is once you have the weather stripping in place, it’s kind of hard to remold it back the way you want it. However, using weather strips can lower the cost of your energy bills. The purpose they serve is to seal openings that might let warm air leak out or cold air seep in.
4. Adjusting The Water Heater
A lot of people don’t realize this but manufacturers will purposely set your water heater at a high setting. It’s always a good idea to go check what your water heater is set to and adjust it for the coming temperature changes. Modern water heaters should have a dial that you can use to set the temperature you want it at.
This is the temp your water is being heated at all times of the day and not just when you use it. It takes energy to heat your water so you’ll want to turn it down a little bit! This can lower your energy bills significantly over the course of fall and winter. Even just setting it to “hot” instead of “very hot”, or whatever the highest setting may be, will greatly reduce your spending. (1)
5. Lowering Heat Lowers Energy Bills
This may come as no surprise to a lot of people, but lowering the thermostat will save you a substantial amount of money on your energy bills. Even though you might get a little colder with lowered heat, you will definitely see the stark differences in how much money you will save. Especially if you adopt the other methods mentioned before. (1)
Of course, it’s not ideal to have to lower the heating in your household but if you’re at home alone with no one else this might be a great idea. Another thing to consider is that you can bundle up with more layers in your house. If you have others living with you, it might be worth taking the time to sit down and talk about what your house should do to save money.
A combination of all of these techniques could save you a lot this freezing season. The biggest thing to focus on how is keeping as much hot air in your house as you can and minimizing the amount of electricity you use. Remember to layer yourself in blankets and thick clothes to also help ward against the biting cold.
Keep reading: Holiday Shopping Safety Tips: 10 Things Every Shopper Should Know


theheartysoul--2020-10-30--Your Bones Are Getting Weaker Year After Year, but There Are Ways to Keep Them Healthy

Weak bones are a major health concern .
According to the International Osteoporosis Foundation , more than 10 million adults in the United States have osteoporosis .
Eighty percent of those people are women [ 1 ] .
Luckily , there are many steps you can take to ensure your bones stay strong and healthy .
Just a few simple lifestyle changes is all it takes to reduce your risk of having weak bones and osteoporosis .
Who is At Risk for Osteoporosis ?
Some people are more at risk for weak bones and osteoporosis than others .
Unfortunately , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ risk are out of their control .
If you fall into any of these categories , it is even more important to manage your lifestyle factors to ensure your bones stay strong .
Factors that put you at higher risk include : • Gender .
Women over the age of fifty have a four times higher rate of osteoporosis than men of the same age [ 2 ] .
• Age .
Women tend to reach their peak bone mass by their late twenties .
That mass stays more or less constant until @ @ @ @ @ @ @ few years after menopause , however , women go through a period of rapid bone loss .
This rate slows considerably , but bone loss does continue during the ensuing years [ 3 ] .
• Family history .
If one or both of your parents has had osteoporosis , you are at a higher risk of having weak bones or osteoporosis yourself .
If this is the case , you should talk to your doctor about early screening [ 4 ] .
• Race .
Health experts still don ’ t know @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to reach higher peak bone density than white women .
This means that white women are more likely to develop osteoporosis later in life [ 3 ] .
Whether you have any of the above risk factors or not , you should still be doing everything you can to keep your bones healthy .
The following ten behaviors will not guarantee that you won ’ t experience weak bones , but it will significantly lower your risk for osteoporosis .
About 99 percent of the calcium in your body is found in your @ @ @ @ @ @ @ however , can not produce its own calcium .
For this reason it is really important to get adequate calcium through your diet in order to prevent bone loss .
Women Age fifty and younger : 1000mg per day Age 51 and older : 1200mg per day Sources of calcium include milk , yogurt , cheese , sesame , and tahini .
Some green vegetables like broccoli , kale , and watercress also contain reasonable amounts of calcium .
Some juices , breakfast foods , soymilk , cereals , snacks , bread , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 5 ] .
Many plant-based milks are fortified with calcium to be comparable with cows ’ milk .
Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin that is naturally present in a few foods .
Your body also produces it itself when sunlight hits the skin and triggers vitamin D synthesis .
It promotes calcium absorption in the gut and helps to maintain adequate serum calcium concentrations , which enables normal bone mineralization .
The recommended intake of vitamin D is : • Ages one to seventy : 600 IU per day If you are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be adequate enough to replenish .
Talk to your doctor about getting your vitamin D levels checked if you suspect a deficiency .
Both a low body mass index and a high body mass index can put you at risk for weak bones .
Losing a lot of weight can cause low bone mass and increased bone loss [ 7 ] .
Obesity , however , contributes to breaks and bone fractures [ 8 ] .
The best thing you can do here is maintain your regular weight .
If you want to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a healthy lifestyle as opposed to going on a crash-diet .
Physical activity helps your bones stay strong .
This is especially important as you get older and you begin to lose muscle mass .
The best exercises to prevent weak bones include : Nicotine has a direct impact on your bone density .
Smoking cigarettes also delays skeletal healing by as much as sixty percent after you have a fracture or a break [ 10 ] .
There are some studies that suggest that consuming caffeine in large amounts has a negative @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reduce your bone mass and increase your instance of fractures [ 11 ] .
Up to four cups of brewed coffee per day is safe for your bones .
Beyond that , you may be weakening your bones .
If you exercise regularly and consume omega-3 fatty acids , you can have a significant impact on your bone mineral density .
They help your body produce more osteoblasts , which help form your bones [ 12 ] .
The recommendations for Omega-3s are : Read : An Effective 12 Minute Yoga session to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Collagen makes up 90 percent of your bones .
As you age , however , you begin to lose a lot of the collagen in your body .
For this reason , it is important to get collagen from your diet .
Food sources of collagen include fish , bone broth , and bell peppers .
That being said , it can be very difficult to get the amount of collagen you need from food .
Particularly for older adults , taking a collagen supplement may be necessary .
If you are considering @ @ @ @ @ @ @ doctor first [ 14 ] .
Protein intake directly affects your bone density .
Protein works together with calcium to maintain the health of your bones by producing adequate collagen [ 15 ] .
Experts recommend that most people consume 0.8 grams of protein per kilogram of their body weight .
Sources of protein include seafood , white-meat poultry , milk , cheese , eggs , beans , nuts and seeds , tofu , etc [ 16 ] .
Consuming too much salt can cause your bones to lose calcium .
This eventually @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ] .
Ideally , you should not consume more than 1500mg of sodium every day , and the American Heart Association recommends an absolute maximum of 2300mg per day [ 18 ] .
To keep your intake low , avoid adding too much salt to your food , and limit how much processed and pre-packaged foods you eat .
Essentially , living a healthy lifestyle will keep both your body and your bones strong .
Eating a balanced diet , getting enough exercise , and limiting or eliminating detrimental behaviors like smoking will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as you age is important , because it will allow you to continue to do the activities that you enjoy for the entirety of your life .
Keep Reading : Could Exercise Prevent Arthritis ?
New Research Is Hopeful

Your Bones Are Getting Weaker Year After Year, but There Are Ways to Keep Them Healthy
Weak bones are a major health concern. According to the International Osteoporosis Foundation, more than 10 million adults in the United States have osteoporosis. Eighty percent of those people are women [1].
Luckily, there are many steps you can take to ensure your bones stay strong and healthy. Just a few simple lifestyle changes is all it takes to reduce your risk of having weak bones and osteoporosis.
Who is At Risk for Osteoporosis?
Some people are more at risk for weak bones and osteoporosis than others. Unfortunately, many of the factors that create that risk are out of their control. If you fall into any of these categories, it is even more important to manage your lifestyle factors to ensure your bones stay strong.
Factors that put you at higher risk include:
Gender. Women over the age of fifty have a four times higher rate of osteoporosis than men of the same age [2].
Women over the age of fifty have a four times higher rate of osteoporosis than men of the same age [2]. Age. Women tend to reach their peak bone mass by their late twenties. That mass stays more or less constant until they reach menopause. During the first few years after menopause, however, women go through a period of rapid bone loss. This rate slows considerably, but bone loss does continue during the ensuing years [3].
Women tend to reach their peak bone mass by their late twenties. That mass stays more or less constant until they reach menopause. During the first few years after menopause, however, women go through a period of rapid bone loss. This rate slows considerably, but bone loss does continue during the ensuing years [3]. Family history. If one or both of your parents has had osteoporosis, you are at a higher risk of having weak bones or osteoporosis yourself. If this is the case, you should talk to your doctor about early screening [4].
If one or both of your parents has had osteoporosis, you are at a higher risk of having weak bones or osteoporosis yourself. If this is the case, you should talk to your doctor about early screening [4]. Race. Health experts still don’t know why, but African American women tend to reach higher peak bone density than white women. This means that white women are more likely to develop osteoporosis later in life [3].
How to Prevent Weak Bones
Whether you have any of the above risk factors or not, you should still be doing everything you can to keep your bones healthy. The following ten behaviors will not guarantee that you won’t experience weak bones, but it will significantly lower your risk for osteoporosis.
1. Get Enough Calcium
About 99 percent of the calcium in your body is found in your bones and teeth. Your body, however, cannot produce its own calcium. For this reason it is really important to get adequate calcium through your diet in order to prevent bone loss.
The National Osteoporosis Foundation makes the following calcium consumption recommendations:
Women
Age fifty and younger: 1000mg per day
Age 51 and older: 1200mg per day
Men
Age seventy and younger: 1000mg day
Age 71 and older: 1200mg day [5]
Sources of calcium include milk, yogurt, cheese, sesame, and tahini. Some green vegetables like broccoli, kale, and watercress also contain reasonable amounts of calcium. Some juices, breakfast foods, soymilk, cereals, snacks, bread, and bottled water have added calcium [5]. Many plant-based milks are fortified with calcium to be comparable with cows’ milk.
2. Get Enough Vitamin D
Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin that is naturally present in a few foods. Your body also produces it itself when sunlight hits the skin and triggers vitamin D synthesis. It promotes calcium absorption in the gut and helps to maintain adequate serum calcium concentrations, which enables normal bone mineralization.
The recommended intake of vitamin D is:
Ages one to seventy: 600 IU per day
Age 71 and older: 800 IU per day [6]
If you are deficient, the above amounts may not be adequate enough to replenish. Talk to your doctor about getting your vitamin D levels checked if you suspect a deficiency.
3. Maintain a Normal Body Weight
Both a low body mass index and a high body mass index can put you at risk for weak bones. Losing a lot of weight can cause low bone mass and increased bone loss [7]. Obesity, however, contributes to breaks and bone fractures[8].
The best thing you can do here is maintain your regular weight. If you want to lose weight, do so by adopting a healthy lifestyle as opposed to going on a crash-diet.
4. Exercise
Physical activity helps your bones stay strong. This is especially important as you get older and you begin to lose muscle mass. The best exercises to prevent weak bones include:
Weight training
Brisk walking
Jogging
Dancing [9]
5. Quit Smoking
Nicotine has a direct impact on your bone density. Smoking cigarettes also delays skeletal healing by as much as sixty percent after you have a fracture or a break [10].
6. Reduce Your Caffeine Intake
There are some studies that suggest that consuming caffeine in large amounts has a negative effect on calcium absorption. This can reduce your bone mass and increase your instance of fractures [11].
Up to four cups of brewed coffee per day is safe for your bones. Beyond that, you may be weakening your bones.
7. Get Enough Omega-3s
If you exercise regularly and consume omega-3 fatty acids, you can have a significant impact on your bone mineral density. They help your body produce more osteoblasts, which help form your bones [12].
The recommendations for Omega-3s are:
Men: 1.6 grams per day
Women: 1.1 grams per day [13]
8. Take a Collagen Supplement
Collagen makes up 90 percent of your bones. As you age, however, you begin to lose a lot of the collagen in your body. For this reason, it is important to get collagen from your diet. Food sources of collagen include fish, bone broth, and bell peppers.
That being said, it can be very difficult to get the amount of collagen you need from food. Particularly for older adults, taking a collagen supplement may be necessary. If you are considering taking a supplement, talk to your doctor first [14].
9. Eat Enough Protein
Protein intake directly affects your bone density. Protein works together with calcium to maintain the health of your bones by producing adequate collagen [15].
Experts recommend that most people consume 0.8 grams of protein per kilogram of their body weight. Sources of protein include seafood, white-meat poultry, milk, cheese, eggs, beans, nuts and seeds, tofu, etc [16].
10. Don’t Eat Too Much Salt
Consuming too much salt can cause your bones to lose calcium. This eventually causes weak bones and osteoporosis [17].
Ideally, you should not consume more than 1500mg of sodium every day, and the American Heart Association recommends an absolute maximum of 2300mg per day.
To keep your intake low, avoid adding too much salt to your food, and limit how much processed and pre-packaged foods you eat.
A Healthy Lifestyle to Prevent Weak Bones
Essentially, living a healthy lifestyle will keep both your body and your bones strong. Eating a balanced diet, getting enough exercise, and limiting or eliminating detrimental behaviors like smoking will prevent weak bones.
Having strong bones as you age is important, because it will allow you to continue to do the activities that you enjoy for the entirety of your life.
Keep Reading: Benefits of Lemon Water: What’s Myth and What’s Fact?


theheartysoul--2020-10-30--This intricate riddle will blow your mind – can you find the answer?

Intricate riddles , puzzles , brainteasers , and other games that challenge your critical thinking skills are more helpful than you think .
Games that are meant to make you think outside of the box help keep you stimulated and are actually good for brain health .
Just by doing simple quizzes on yourself , your brain reinforces connections between brain cells .
This can help improve your mental speed and is an especially effective way to improve short-term memory .
Of course , day to day life presents it ’ s own challenges , and can make it hard @ @ @ @ @ @ @ riddles .
It ’ s completely understandable if you are busy !
However , if you have a moment to spare , you should take the time to see if you can solve this intricate riddle .
Read : How Fast Can You Find The Odd Turtle In This Picture ?
What Is The Intricate Riddle ?
An elderly couple went on a picnic .
They have 5 sons , and each son has 3 children .
In total , how many people went for a picnic ?
Try to think about how @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s all about the context .
Do you think you know the answer ?
The Answer To The Riddle The answer may seem obvious to some , however , the answer might not be what you expect .
Some people might have answered with 22 .
Of course , five sons that have three children each adds up to 20 people then adding the elderly couple making the answer 22 .
Unfortunately , this is the wrong answer to the intricate riddle .
AdvertisementThe actual answer to the riddle might make you feel @ @ @ @ @ @ @ two people that went on a picnic : the elderly couple .
The reason why is because the riddle never said that the sons or children went on the picnic with them .
The answer is in the first sentence of this intricate riddle .
Don ’ t beat yourself up if you didn ’ t get it right the first time , this just means you can practice with more brain teasers !
Maybe you want a different intricate riddle to wrap your brain around .
Read : Most people fail – @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this picture ?
Looking For More Puzzles ?
Perhaps you need a puzzle that isn ’ t an intricate riddle .
Maybe you ’ re more of a visual learner or maybe you love to solve math problems .
Luckily , this isn ’ t the only headscratcher of a game that we have for you to choose from .
If you try this optical brain test game , you ’ ll have to be able to spot the odd shapes out of all the other matching ones .
This kind of game @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are able to process images on a large scale .
You ’ ll have only 30 seconds to complete the test , finding the singular odd shapes in all 8 images .
If you need something more challenging than an intricate riddle , then you might want to try this intense math problem .
Very few people are able to solve this equation without using a calculator and it really puts your math problem-solving skills to good use .
Many are very hesitant to solve math problems simply because they are known to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a good thing !
This means that your brain is processing and thinking critically about the answer to the problem .
You ’ re essentially giving your brain a big workout that makes it big and strong the more problems you solve .
Keep reading : How Quickly Can You Spot The Odd Number Out ?
Not Many Can Do It Under 5 Seconds !

Intricate riddles, puzzles, brainteasers, and other games that challenge your critical thinking skills are more helpful than you think. Games that are meant to make you think outside of the box help keep you stimulated and are actually good for brain health. Just by doing simple quizzes on yourself, your brain reinforces connections between brain cells. This can help improve your mental speed and is an especially effective way to improve short-term memory.
Of course, day to day life presents it’s own challenges, and can make it hard to find time for puzzles or intricate riddles. It’s completely understandable if you are busy! However, if you have a moment to spare, you should take the time to see if you can solve this intricate riddle.
What Is The Intricate Riddle?
An elderly couple went on a picnic. They have 5 sons, and each son has 3 children. In total, how many people went for a picnic?
Try to think about how the riddle is phrased. It’s all about the context. Do you think you know the answer?
The Answer To The Riddle
The answer may seem obvious to some, however, the answer might not be what you expect. Some people might have answered with 22. Of course, five sons that have three children each adds up to 20 people then adding the elderly couple making the answer 22. Unfortunately, this is the wrong answer to the intricate riddle.
The actual answer to the riddle might make you feel a little silly. There are only two people that went on a picnic: the elderly couple. The reason why is because the riddle never said that the sons or children went on the picnic with them. The answer is in the first sentence of this intricate riddle.
Don’t beat yourself up if you didn’t get it right the first time, this just means you can practice with more brain teasers! Maybe you want a different intricate riddle to wrap your brain around.
Looking For More Puzzles?
Perhaps you need a puzzle that isn’t an intricate riddle. Maybe you’re more of a visual learner or maybe you love to solve math problems. Luckily, this isn’t the only headscratcher of a game that we have for you to choose from.


theheartysoul--2020-10-30--River piracy may be climate change’s weirdest effect, and it happened in Canada.

Piracy is the practice of robbing another ship at sea .
It can also be used to describe stealing in other contexts like hijacking , or “ air piracy ” .
River piracy , however , is a very new concept .
Until four years ago , no one had ever documented it in modern times .
In May 2016 , the Slims River in Canada ’ s Yukon completely disappeared in a matter of just four days .
Scientists are calling this river piracy , and it is likely another phenomenon of climate change .
River Piracy : The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ piracy ” is when the flow of one river suddenly gets diverted to another [ 1 ] .
The Slims River used to be one of the largest rivers in Canada ’ s Yukon Territories .
It used to be 150 meters at its widest points , and up to ten feet deep .
Today , it is a mere trickle of water .
This is the first case of river piracy that scientists have documented .
For hundreds of years , meltwater from the Kaskawulsh glacier flowed in the Kluane river .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ toward the Bering Sea .
In the spring of 2016 , however , the glacier went through a period of intense melting .
This tipped the drainage gradient , which redirected the meltwater to the Gulf of Alaska .
A team of scientists had been monitoring the retreat of the glacier for a number of years .
In 2016 , however , they were shocked at what they found when they returned to the glacier .
AdvertisementThey used a helicopter and drones to see what was happening in the other valley and found @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Slims had all but dried up , the Alsek river was now sixty to seventy times larger than the Slims .
Even more shocking , the change had happened over the course of only a few days- from May 26 to the 29th .
While there is evidence of this happening in the distant past , this is the first time scientists have documented such a rapid rerouting of modern river systems [ 3 ] .
Read : Scientist Create Ultra-White Paint So Reflective It Can Cool Buildings Even In Bright Sunlight @ @ @ @ @ @ @ drastic changes were a result of climate change .
As our planet continues to warm up , they warned that this could start happening more frequently .
According to the team ’ s statistical analysis , the chances that this could have occurred due to natural variability is 0.5 percent .
This means that there is a 99.5 percent chance that climate change is the culprit [ 4 ] .
This has had a damaging effect on the communities that live near the river , particularly the indigenous peoples who depend on it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ course , are no longer able to swim there , so an important food source has disappeared .
Additionally , the silt and dust from the river floor is no longer beneath the water .
This has caused dangerous dust storms on the nearby Alaska highway .
They can be so bad that cars have to pull over until the dust settles .
The Indigenous peoples in this area have been adapting to climate change for years , but some fear that soon they will not be able to keep up.Advertisement The population @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Future river piracy in more populated areas , however , could have a devastating effect on millions of people .
Experts are concerned that as climate change continues , river piracy could affect areas in the Himalayas , the Third Pole Region , the Andes , as well as other parts of Canada and Alaska .
This could affect the water supplies of millions of people , giving them very little time to adapt .
In order to prevent further river piracy events , we must take action against climate change .
That @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The future health of our communities depends on it .
Keep Reading : Solar Is Officially The ‘ Cheapest Electricity In History ’

Piracy is the practice of robbing another ship at sea. It can also be used to describe stealing in other contexts like hijacking, or “air piracy”. River piracy, however, is a very new concept. Until four years ago, no one had ever documented it in modern times.
In May 2016, the Slims River in Canada’s Yukon completely disappeared in a matter of just four days. Scientists are calling this river piracy, and it is likely another phenomenon of climate change.
River Piracy: The Disappearance of the Slims River
“River piracy” is when the flow of one river suddenly gets diverted to another [1].
The Slims River used to be one of the largest rivers in Canada’s Yukon Territories. It used to be 150 meters at its widest points, and up to ten feet deep. Today, it is a mere trickle of water. This is the first case of river piracy that scientists have documented.
For hundreds of years, meltwater from the Kaskawulsh glacier flowed in the Kluane river. This then ran into the Yukon river toward the Bering Sea. In the spring of 2016, however, the glacier went through a period of intense melting. This tipped the drainage gradient, which redirected the meltwater to the Gulf of Alaska.
A team of scientists had been monitoring the retreat of the glacier for a number of years. In 2016, however, they were shocked at what they found when they returned to the glacier.
“We went to the area intending to continue our measurements in the Slims river, but found the riverbed more or less dry,” said James Best, a geologist at the University of Illinois. “The delta top that we’d been sailing over in a small boat was now a dust storm. In terms of landscape change it was incredibly dramatic.” [2]
It Happened Quickly
They used a helicopter and drones to see what was happening in the other valley and found that the opposite was occurring. While the Slims had all but dried up, the Alsek river was now sixty to seventy times larger than the Slims.
Even more shocking, the change had happened over the course of only a few days- from May 26 to the 29th. While there is evidence of this happening in the distant past, this is the first time scientists have documented such a rapid rerouting of modern river systems [3].
Read: Scientist Create Ultra-White Paint So Reflective It Can Cool Buildings Even In Bright Sunlight
Climate Change and River Piracy
The researchers are almost certain that these drastic changes were a result of climate change. As our planet continues to warm up, they warned that this could start happening more frequently.
According to the team’s statistical analysis, the chances that this could have occurred due to natural variability is 0.5 percent. This means that there is a 99.5 percent chance that climate change is the culprit [4].
This has had a damaging effect on the communities that live near the river, particularly the indigenous peoples who depend on it for survival. The fish, of course, are no longer able to swim there, so an important food source has disappeared.
Additionally, the silt and dust from the river floor is no longer beneath the water. This has caused dangerous dust storms on the nearby Alaska highway. They can be so bad that cars have to pull over until the dust settles.
The Indigenous peoples in this area have been adapting to climate change for years, but some fear that soon they will not be able to keep up.
“Southern Tutchone People and Indigenous Peoples in this area are super resilient and have been adapting to the environmental changes and external factors in this area for a long time. The thing is, is the changes are happening so quickly now that it is hard for us to keep up,” says Amber Berard-Althouse, a Public Outreach Education Officer with Parks Canada at Kluane National Park and Reserve [5].
Read: Ice Melt in Alaska Threatens to Unleash Unprecedented ‘Mega-Tsunami’, Scientists Warn
Fear for the Future
The population in the Yukon is extremely sparse. Future river piracy in more populated areas, however, could have a devastating effect on millions of people.
“If a river changes course so drastically that the drainage basin no longer reaches its original outlet, this change might eventually impact human and biological communities that have grown around the river’s original outlet,” said Rachel Headley, a geologist at the University of Wisconsin-Parkside [1].
Experts are concerned that as climate change continues, river piracy could affect areas in the Himalayas, the Third Pole Region, the Andes, as well as other parts of Canada and Alaska. This could affect the water supplies of millions of people, giving them very little time to adapt.
In order to prevent further river piracy events, we must take action against climate change. That includes individuals, corporations, and governments. The future health of our communities depends on it.
Keep Reading: Solar Is Officially The ‘Cheapest Electricity In History’


theheartysoul--2020-10-30--Sex Robots Will Be Here Soon. Is Anyone Ready?

We ’ re living in a world where our lives are becoming increasingly virtual , especially since the start of the coronavirus pandemic .
With the recent developments in sex robots , the more intimate parts of our lives may also follow suit .
Imagine coming home from a long day at work to a gorgeous person who greets you , pours you a drink , and listens to you talk about your day .
After listening intently , they then proceed to do exactly what turns you on most .
The two of you have sex , then you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The catch is that this is not a real person , it is a robot that you have programmed specifically to do and say certain things .
You don ’ t have to listen about their day , they require no emotional support from you , they are there only for your pleasure .
When you don ’ t want them around any longer , you simply turn them off .
( 1 ) These robots are not robot-looking , however : They look eerily close to being real people .
( 2 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from their faces , bodies , and hair to their voice and how much they are able to do .
Even fine details like nipple shape can be decided on by the user .
( 2 ) Sex , relationships , and technology are not a new combination .
Electric vibrators have been around since the 1800s .
Porn and phone sex have existed for decades .
Dating apps are the number one way people meet potential partners now , and even the sex industry has largely gone virtual during the COVID-19 pandemic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ much of the world has been in lockdown , there have been a large number of people who have reported feeling comforted , connected to , and even sexually turned on by Alexa , their home smart speaker system .
Sex robots aren ’ t really much more of a stretch .
( 1 ) “ Most people have a need for intimate connection , and this doesn ’ t go away during a pandemic , ” says Amanda Gesselman , an Associate Director of Research at the Kinsey Institute who focuses on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ I think that people are actually learning how to adapt technology to their needs , even though this is a situation that we ’ ve never really been in before… Technology is providing a safe route to getting our intimate needs fulfilled , and we ’ re seeing people ‘ lean in ’ to it.
” ( 1 ) If you ’ re thinking these sex robots are a thing of the future , think again : They already exist and there are plenty of people who already own one .
There @ @ @ @ @ @ @ robots , including combating loneliness and providing a safe sexual experience during times like the pandemic we are in now .
( 3 ) “ Sex is a large part of it , yes , but 70 per cent of the relationship that I have with all the synthetic women in my life is about being to come home to a non-empty home , to be able to share my life in terms of what I ’ ve done that day .
It ’ s always been about companionship for me , from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ owner .
( 3 ) Of course , there are several concerns with sex robots , including ( 1 ) : • The potential for people to isolate themselves even further • Objectification of women ( though male sex doll demand is rising ) “ Sociologically speaking , younger people were already engaging in less face to face interaction , but now they are being pushed to connect with others exclusively online , ” says professor of Ethics and Culture of Robots and AI Kathleen Richardson .
“ Allowing porn to stream directly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ online has significantly altered how sex and sexuality is mediated and practiced in society and has led to a proliferation of harmful sexual practices… sex and sexuality has always been mediated by social and cultural mores , however what has changed is the amount of external influences shaping sex and sexuality today.
” ( 1 ) Sex robots are here , whether you are interested in them or not .
That being said , they are not exactly main-stream , at least not yet .
The reality is , if you have the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ buy one .
If you don ’ t or you just simply don ’ t agree with them , then you don ’ t have to buy one .
One thing is for certain : Sex and technology are a combination that is here to stay .
Keep Reading : Ecosexuals Believe Having Sex with the Earth Could Save It

We’re living in a world where our lives are becoming increasingly virtual, especially since the start of the coronavirus pandemic. With the recent developments in sex robots, the more intimate parts of our lives may also follow suit.
How Sex Robots Are Changing Intimate Relationships
Imagine coming home from a long day at work to a gorgeous person who greets you, pours you a drink, and listens to you talk about your day. After listening intently, they then proceed to do exactly what turns you on most. The two of you have sex, then you go about your evening as usual.
The catch is that this is not a real person, it is a robot that you have programmed specifically to do and say certain things. You don’t have to listen about their day, they require no emotional support from you, they are there only for your pleasure. When you don’t want them around any longer, you simply turn them off. (1)
These robots are not robot-looking, however: They look eerily close to being real people. (2)
The robots are entirely customizable, from their faces, bodies, and hair to their voice and how much they are able to do. Even fine details like nipple shape can be decided on by the user. (2)
Technology and Sexuality
Sex, relationships, and technology are not a new combination. Electric vibrators have been around since the 1800s. Porn and phone sex have existed for decades. Dating apps are the number one way people meet potential partners now, and even the sex industry has largely gone virtual during the COVID-19 pandemic. (1)
Moreover, while much of the world has been in lockdown, there have been a large number of people who have reported feeling comforted, connected to, and even sexually turned on by Alexa, their home smart speaker system. Sex robots aren’t really much more of a stretch. (1)
“Most people have a need for intimate connection, and this doesn’t go away during a pandemic,” says Amanda Gesselman, an Associate Director of Research at the Kinsey Institute who focuses on how technology can facilitate meaningful connections. “I think that people are actually learning how to adapt technology to their needs, even though this is a situation that we’ve never really been in before… Technology is providing a safe route to getting our intimate needs fulfilled, and we’re seeing people ‘lean in’ to it.” (1)
The Ethical Concerns of Sex Robots
If you’re thinking these sex robots are a thing of the future, think again: They already exist and there are plenty of people who already own one. There are plenty of good things about sex robots, including combating loneliness and providing a safe sexual experience during times like the pandemic we are in now. (3)
“Sex is a large part of it, yes, but 70 per cent of the relationship that I have with all the synthetic women in my life is about being to come home to a non-empty home, to be able to share my life in terms of what I’ve done that day. It’s always been about companionship for me, from day one.” says one sex robot owner. (3)
Of course, there are several concerns with sex robots, including (1):
The potential for people to isolate themselves even further
Reducing human empathy (sex robots don’t require empathy)
Objectification of women (though male sex doll demand is rising)
“Sociologically speaking, younger people were already engaging in less face to face interaction, but now they are being pushed to connect with others exclusively online,” says professor of Ethics and Culture of Robots and AI Kathleen Richardson. “Allowing porn to stream directly to users or people striking up interactions online has significantly altered how sex and sexuality is mediated and practiced in society and has led to a proliferation of harmful sexual practices… sex and sexuality has always been mediated by social and cultural mores, however what has changed is the amount of external influences shaping sex and sexuality today.” (1)
The Bottom Line
Sex robots are here, whether you are interested in them or not. That being said, they are not exactly main-stream, at least not yet. The reality is, if you have the money and want one, you can buy one. If you don’t or you just simply don’t agree with them, then you don’t have to buy one.
One thing is for certain: Sex and technology are a combination that is here to stay.
Keep Reading: Ecosexuals Believe Having Sex with the Earth Could Save It


theheartysoul--2020-10-30--Bamboo Tower Produces Up To 25 Gallons of Water In A Day by Capturing Condensation

Imagine how different your life would be if you had to spend four to six hours every day just collecting water for your family to drink .
Now , imagine even after all of that time and effort , that water isn ’ t even clean .
This is an unfortunate reality for most of the people living in sub-Sahara Africa , a problem that Warka Water Towers has set out to solve with their water bamboo tower .
( 1 ) Sourcing potable drinking water for the nearly 1 billion people in Africa without it is a problem that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The issue is that many of the solutions require a large financial investment , specialized equipment , and repairs are frequent , costly , and difficult .
Practicality and convenience are the driving factors behind WarkaWater .
These bamboo towers are cost-effective , easy to assemble , and can collect up to 26 gallons of water per day right out of the air .
( 2 ) WarkaWater knows that providing accessible , clean water for people does more than just provide clean drinking water .
( 3 ) Their bamboo towers also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : • Time for women and parents to care for their children and families • Children to go to school Read : Desert Farm Grows 17,000 Tons of Food without Soil , Pesticides , Fossil Fuels or Groundwater The Warka Water bamboo tower is 30 feet tall and 13 feet wide and covered in latticed bamboo lined with orange polyester mesh .
On the top stands reflective pieces to deter birds .
The orange mesh is water-resistant to better collect fog from the atmosphere .
( 1 ) AdvertisementDesigner Vittori is currently researching @ @ @ @ @ @ @ heat quickly to maximize the small window of time each day when dew forms .
This will optimize the amount of water that the towers can collect .
( 1 ) The Warka tree is a giant fig tree native to Ethiopia .
These trees are highly important to the community because they provide shade , food , and a gathering place .
( 3 ) This is what inspired the name for Warka Water .
Vittori and his team at Architecture and Vision want the bamboo towers to provide something similar ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ build them in all remote communities in Ethiopia and then on to the rest of Africa so that all villages will have access to healthy , clean drinkable water .
( 3 ) AdvertisementOne of the reasons that make WarkaWater such an incredible innovation is its cost and practicality .
( 1 ) The details include ( 1 ) : • Takes less than one hour to assemble • Easily packed up and moved as needed • SImple to train locals to take care of and repair if necessary The WarkaWater towers require @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and do complicated repairs , making them a truly sustainable way to improve the quality of life in remote Ethiopian villages .
WarkaWater doesn ’ t just want to solve the problem of potable drinking water in these remote African communities .
They have several projects on the go with the ultimate goal of making people ’ s lives better .
( 4 ) This is an integrated village designed to house in-need local ethnic groups of 100 people in Cameroon .
They will be constructed using local , natural materials , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cultural identity of the place while allowing people to live with dignity .
The whole idea is to have the people live in harmony with the nature around them .
( 4 ) Advertisement Warka houses are inspired by traditional African houses with the goal of maintaining their cultural features but improving on the actual quality of living .
( 4 ) Built with local , natural materials , these homes have higher hygiene and comfort standards thanks to ( 4 ) : Beyond safe drinking water , the people in these villages @ @ @ @ @ @ @ waste systems .
Warka Sanitation is toilets and washing facilities that provide just that .
( 4 ) Each toilet has a separate outlet for urine and for solid waste .
Soil is then added instead of flushing to dry out the waste faster so it can be used as manure .
( 4 ) The urine is diluted and used as a natural fertilizer .
( 4 ) This is a community kitchen .
It provides everyone in the community with a safe , clean , and controlled space for food preparation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ space for people to eat and be together .
Warka Kitchen pays particularly close attention to design and sanitation systems to ensure the safety and health of everyone who eats and cooks there .
( 4 ) The Warka Garden is a community garden with the goal of providing healthy , fresh food for everyone in the community .
It has an efficient irrigation system to optimize water usage , a nursery to grow seedlings , and a seed bank to protect indigenous species .
( 4 ) Lastly , Warka Garden can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ community , because it provides them with beautiful , fresh produce to sell at the local markets .
( 4 ) Providing a community with power can bring about lasting , positive change for a community .
Having electricity via solar power allows for community members to participate in safe , after-dark activities and can provide them with mobile phone access .
( 4 ) Using recycled water from Warka Towers , the goal of Warka Forest is to replant new trees to rejuvenate the ecosystem as well as provide food from fruit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for construction materials and kitchen fires .
Trees will also capture carbon dioxide from the air and provide cleaner air .
( 4 ) This is a long-term collaboration between WarkaWater and the community to help them promote their culture and empower their local economy .
They will make unedited handicrafts from the Warka Village to sell on the international market .
( 4 ) How You Can Help WarkaWater has set out to make a lasting impact on communities in Africa that need it the most .
If you wish to support @ @ @ @ @ @ @ them here .
Keep Reading : This Ancient Water Filter System Was Light-Years Ahead Of The Rest Of The World

Imagine how different your life would be if you had to spend four to six hours every day just collecting water for your family to drink. Now, imagine even after all of that time and effort, that water isn’t even clean. This is an unfortunate reality for most of the people living in sub-Sahara Africa, a problem that Warka Water Towers has set out to solve with their water bamboo tower. (1) This technology, which went viral in 2015, is fascinating. Read on to learn more.
WarkaWater Bamboo Towers
Sourcing potable drinking water for the nearly 1 billion people in Africa without it is a problem that many groups have attempted to solve. The issue is that many of the solutions require a large financial investment, specialized equipment, and repairs are frequent, costly, and difficult.
Practicality and convenience are the driving factors behind WarkaWater. These bamboo towers are cost-effective, easy to assemble, and can collect up to 26 gallons of water per day right out of the air. (2) WarkaWater knows that providing accessible, clean water for people does more than just provide clean drinking water. (3) Their bamboo towers also provide an opportunity for:
A safe living environment
Time for women and parents to care for their children and families
Children to go to school
Decreased infant mortality
Improvements to the local economy
Preservation of local community culture
Restore the ecosystem
“It’s not just illnesses that we’re trying to address. Many Ethiopian children from rural villages spend several hours every day to fetch water, time they could invest for more productive activities and education,” says lead designer Arturo Vittori. “If we can give people something that lets them be more independent, they can free themselves from this cycle.”
Keep Reading: Denmark Is Repurposing Discarded Wind Turbine Blades as Bike Shelters
A Bamboo Tower Collecting Water From Thin Air
The Warka Water bamboo tower is 30 feet tall and 13 feet wide and covered in latticed bamboo lined with orange polyester mesh. On the top stands reflective pieces to deter birds. The orange mesh is water-resistant to better collect fog from the atmosphere.
Designer Vittori is currently researching materials for the latest prototype that loses heat quickly to maximize the small window of time each day when dew forms. This will optimize the amount of water that the towers can collect.
The Meaning Behind “Warka”
The Warka tree is a giant fig tree native to Ethiopia. These trees are highly important to the community because they provide shade, food, and a gathering place. This is what inspired the name for Warka Water. Vittori and his team at Architecture and Vision want the bamboo towers to provide something similar:
Shade
A gathering place
Clean drinking water
The goal is to build them in all remote communities in Ethiopia and then on to the rest of Africa so that all villages will have access to healthy, clean drinkable water.
Cost and Practicality of the Bamboo Water Tower
One of the reasons that make WarkaWater such an incredible innovation is its cost and practicality. The details include:
$1000 to produce
No electricity required
Takes less than one hour to assemble
Easily packed up and moved as needed
SImple to train locals to take care of and repair if necessary
The WarkaWater towers require no specialized equipment or mechanics to come and do complicated repairs, making them a truly sustainable way to improve the quality of life in remote Ethiopian villages.
Read: Company Is Using Plastic Bottles To Make Roads That Last 3x Longer Than Asphalt
Other WarkaWater Projects
WarkaWater doesn’t just want to solve the problem of potable drinking water in these remote African communities. They have several projects on the go with the ultimate goal of making people’s lives better. (4)
Warka Village
This is an integrated village designed to house in-need local ethnic groups of 100 people in Cameroon. They will be constructed using local, natural materials, and indigenous techniques to preserve and protect the cultural identity of the place while allowing people to live with dignity. The whole idea is to have the people live in harmony with the nature around them.
Warka House
Warka houses are inspired by traditional African houses with the goal of maintaining their cultural features but improving on the actual quality of living. Built with local, natural materials, these homes have higher hygiene and comfort standards thanks to:
Insulated floors
Rain and waterproof roofs
Natural ventilation
A fresh, healthy, comfortable indoor environment
Warka Sanitation
Beyond safe drinking water, the people in these villages need access to safe washing water and waste systems. Warka Sanitation is toilets and washing facilities that provide just that.
Each toilet has a separate outlet for urine and for solid waste. Soil is then added instead of flushing to dry out the waste faster so it can be used as manure.
The urine is diluted and used as a natural fertilizer.
Warka Kitchen
This is a community kitchen. It provides everyone in the community with a safe, clean, and controlled space for food preparation. It also acts as a social space for people to eat and be together. Warka Kitchen pays particularly close attention to design and sanitation systems to ensure the safety and health of everyone who eats and cooks there.
Warka Garden
The Warka Garden is a community garden with the goal of providing healthy, fresh food for everyone in the community. It has an efficient irrigation system to optimize water usage, a nursery to grow seedlings, and a seed bank to protect indigenous species.
Lastly, Warka Garden can potentially provide a revenue stream for the community, because it provides them with beautiful, fresh produce to sell at the local markets.
Warka Solar
Providing a community with power can bring about lasting, positive change for a community. Having electricity via solar power allows for community members to participate in safe, after-dark activities and can provide them with mobile phone access.
Warka Forest
Using recycled water from Warka Towers, the goal of Warka Forest is to replant new trees to rejuvenate the ecosystem as well as provide food from fruit trees. Trees can also provide wood for construction materials and kitchen fires. Trees will also capture carbon dioxide from the air and provide cleaner air.
Culture A Porter
This is a long-term collaboration between WarkaWater and the community to help them promote their culture and empower their local economy. They will make unedited handicrafts from the Warka Village to sell on the international market.
How You Can Help
WarkaWater has set out to make a lasting impact on communities in Africa that need it the most. If you wish to support their endeavors, you can donate to them here.
Keep Reading: Coconut Husk Waste Can Replace Wood And Save Millions Of Trees
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