theheartysoul--2020-05-12--A Quick 8-Minute Evening Workout Before Bed

If I told you there was an exercise routine that takes only eight minutes and will help you tone your body and burn fat , would you do it ?
Would you still do it if I told you the best time of day to complete the routine is right before bed ?
I know that many of you are skeptical about working out so close to bedtime .
You ’ re afraid it will disrupt your sleep cycle and , let ’ s be honest , you don ’ t want to get so sweaty that you need to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to do is crawl under the covers .
That ’ s what ’ s so great about this routine : It ’ s quick , you won ’ t be dripping in sweat by the end , and it may actually help you to sleep better .
( 1 , 2 ) Completing this routine right before you turn in for the night accomplishes two things : • Kick-starts your metabolism to put your body into fat-burning mode while you sleep • May help you to have a better quality sleep The best @ @ @ @ @ @ @ minutes – one minute per exercise – to complete .
Do this routine consistently to wake up with your dream body .
( 1 , 2 ) Each exercise is to be completed for 1 min straight .
The only rest between each exercise is the length of time you need to transition and get yourself set up for the next one .
These exercises can all be done with bodyweight , dumbbells if you have them , or other household items to make them more challenging .
Lying on your back , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , on your hips , or on the ground beside you .
With your feet hip-distance apart , contract your abs , squeeze your glutes , and lift your hips into the air by driving through your heels .
Hold for a second in the top position , lower back to the ground , and repeat .
Modification 1 : Add weight .
You can use a dumbbell , barbell , resistance bands looped around your thighs just above your knees , or a heavy household item .
The weight should be placed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the pubic bone .
Modification 2 : Change the movement pattern .
When you reach the top position , lift one leg in the air , then the other , then lower both legs back to the ground .
Make sure to keep your hips level the entire time .
Standing up tall , step forward with one foot and bend so that both knees are at about a 90-degree angle .
In the bottom position , the thigh of your front leg should be parallel to the ground .
Push through the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ back to standing .
Repeat on the other leg , continuing this for the full minute .
Modification : Lunge from off a step , so that you are lunging downwards , or add weight .
You can add weight by holding dumbbells or using a household item , such as a backpack .
Stand in a split stance with one foot forward and the other back .
Lower downwards so that both knees are bent at a 90-degree angle .
Pushing primarily through your front leg , jump into the air high @ @ @ @ @ @ @ feet so that your starting front leg is now at the back and the back leg is at the front .
Continue for one minute .
Starting in a straight-arm plank position , bring one knee in towards your chest , then squeeze your glute and push your leg into the air , leading with your heel .
Repeat for 30 seconds on one leg and then do 30 seconds on the other .
This time in a forearm plank , keep your leg straight , squeeze your glute , and lift your @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for a full minute .
During this exercise , be sure to keep your back straight and your hips parallel to the ground ( do not allow your torso to twist ) by keeping your core tight .
Focus on squeezing your glutes , not on lifting your leg high .
Read : 5 Best Exercises to Stave off the Effects of Aging If You ’ re Over 40 Lying on your back with your hands at your sides , lift both legs straight into the air , stopping when you reach a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ your lower back flat on the ground , lower your legs back down until they are just above the ground .
Without letting your heels touch the floor , raise your legs back up again .
Repeat for one minute .
Lay on your back with your legs together .
Keeping your lower back on the floor , lift your legs off the ground to at most a 45-degree angle .
Kick your feet up and down in a scissor-like motion for one minute .
Modification : The closer you keep your feet @ @ @ @ @ @ @ move will be .
You can also speed up the motion or add ankle weights .
Sit upright with your back straight and knees bent .
You can either keep your heels lightly touching the ground , or you can lift your feet off the ground entirely , keeping your knees bent .
With your hands together , twist your torso to touch the floor on one side of your body , then the other .
The further you twist , the harder it will be .
Twist back and forth for one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will pump up your metabolism so you will burn more fat while you sleep without making you super sweaty right before bed .
Challenge yourself to do this every night for one month and see how much healthier and stronger you become .
Keep Reading : Could Exercise Prevent Arthritis ?
New Research Is Hopeful

If I told you there was an exercise routine that takes only eight minutes and will help you tone your body and burn fat, would you do it? Would you still do it if I told you the best time of day to complete the routine is right before bed? A work out before bed could really do the trick.
I know that many of you are skeptical about working out so close to bedtime. You’re afraid it will disrupt your sleep cycle and, let’s be honest, you don’t want to get so sweaty that you need to shower again when all you really want to do is crawl under the covers. That’s what’s so great about this routine: It’s quick, you won’t be dripping in sweat by the end, and it may actually help you to sleep better. (1, 2)
A quick work out before bed
Completing this routine right before you turn in for the night accomplishes two things:
Kick-starts your metabolism to put your body into fat-burning mode while you sleep
May help you to have a better quality sleep
The best part is that this only takes eight minutes – one minute per exercise – to complete. Do this routine consistently to wake up with your dream body. (1, 2)
The Routine
Each exercise is to be completed for 1 min straight. The only rest between each exercise is the length of time you need to transition and get yourself set up for the next one.
These exercises can all be done with bodyweight, dumbbells if you have them, or other household items to make them more challenging. Let’s dive right into this work out before bed!
Exercise #1: Glute Bridge
Lying on your back, place your hands either across your chest, on your hips, or on the ground beside you. With your feet hip-distance apart, contract your abs, squeeze your glutes, and lift your hips into the air by driving through your heels. Hold for a second in the top position, lower back to the ground, and repeat.
Modification 1: Add weight. You can use a dumbbell, barbell, resistance bands looped around your thighs just above your knees, or a heavy household item. The weight should be placed on the hips in the area of the pubic bone.
Modification 2: Change the movement pattern. When you reach the top position, lift one leg in the air, then the other, then lower both legs back to the ground. Make sure to keep your hips level the entire time.
Exercise #2: Lunges
Standing up tall, step forward with one foot and bend so that both knees are at about a 90-degree angle. In the bottom position, the thigh of your front leg should be parallel to the ground. Push through the heel of your front leg to come back to standing. Repeat on the other leg, continuing this for the full minute.
Modification: Lunge from off a step, so that you are lunging downwards, or add weight. You can add weight by holding dumbbells or using a household item, such as a backpack.
Exercise #3: Jumping Lunges
Stand in a split stance with one foot forward and the other back. Lower downwards so that both knees are bent at a 90-degree angle. Pushing primarily through your front leg, jump into the air high enough so that you can switch your feet so that your starting front leg is now at the back and the back leg is at the front. Continue for one minute.
Modification: Add weight using dumbbells or household items.
Exercise #4: Plank KickBacks
Starting in a straight-arm plank position, bring one knee in towards your chest, then squeeze your glute and push your leg into the air, leading with your heel. Repeat for 30 seconds on one leg and then do 30 seconds on the other.
Modification: Add resistance using ankle weights or resistance bands.
Exercise #5: Plank Leg Lifts
This time in a forearm plank, keep your leg straight, squeeze your glute, and lift your leg into the air. Alternate legs for a full minute. During this exercise, be sure to keep your back straight and your hips parallel to the ground (do not allow your torso to twist) by keeping your core tight. Focus on squeezing your glutes, not on lifting your leg high.
Modification: Add ankle weights or resistance bands.
Exercise #6: Leg Raises
Lying on your back with your hands at your sides, lift both legs straight into the air, stopping when you reach a 90-degree angle at your hips. Keeping your lower back flat on the ground, lower your legs back down until they are just above the ground. Without letting your heels touch the floor, raise your legs back up again. Repeat for one minute.
Modification: Add ankle weights.
Exercise #7: Flutter Kicks
Lay on your back with your legs together. Keeping your lower back on the floor, lift your legs off the ground to at most a 45-degree angle. Kick your feet up and down in a scissor-like motion for one minute.
Modification: The closer you keep your feet to the ground, the harder this move will be. You can also speed up the motion or add ankle weights.
Exercise #8: Russian Twists
Sit upright with your back straight and knees bent. You can either keep your heels lightly touching the ground, or you can lift your feet off the ground entirely, keeping your knees bent. With your hands together, twist your torso to touch the floor on one side of your body, then the other. The further you twist, the harder it will be. Twist back and forth for one minute.
Modification: Add weight.
This quick and simple work out before bed will pump up your metabolism so you will burn more fat while you sleep without making you super sweaty right before bed. Challenge yourself to do this every night for one month and see how much healthier and stronger you become.
Keep Reading: You’re (Probably) Fat Because You’re Happy With Your Marriage


theheartysoul--2020-05-12--The Terrifying Side Of Kids Addicted To Technology

In 2015 , granola bar company Nature Valley created an ad in which they asked three generations of families one question : When you were a kid , what did you do for fun ?
The older two generations shared many wonderful memories of playing outside , building forts , picking blueberries , and going on fishing trips .
They reminisced fondly of all the fun times they had as children .
When it came time for the youngest generation to answer the question , however , the responses were decidedly different .
Rather than launch into stories of playing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the park , or riding bikes through the neighborhood , these kids are spending five hours per day or more texting , emailing , browsing social media , playing video games , and watching shows .
One child even bragged about how they watched twenty-three episodes of a TV series in less than four days .
Another young girl claimed that she “ would die without her tablet ” .
This ad gave us a scary look at the way today ’ s children are growing up , and touched and what could @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fundamentally changing childhood .
You can see it below for yourself if you ’ d like .
Are Our Children Addicted to Technology ?
Common Sense Media conducted a report entitled Technology Addiction : Concern , Controversy , and Finding Balance .
The report determined that problematic media use is a growing problem , but there are large gaps in the research on technology addiction .
So far , much of the research that has been carried out has focused on adults and teenagers , with no specific research geared toward the impact @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Common Sense Media ’ s report made six key findings : 1 .
Internet addiction is potentially serious and requires further study .
There is disagreement among experts as to whether or not internet addiction is a new psychological disorder , or if it is a manifestation of another disorder .
There is also ambiguity surrounding what internet addiction actually is , given that many things can be done on the internet including watching videos , playing games , or using social media .
Since we are always connected , measuring the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ internet is difficult , and there is controversy over whether internet addiction can be classified in the same category as substance abuse or a behavioral disorder [ 2 ] .
2 .
Our digital lifestyles may be harming our ability to remain focused .
There have been several studies in which young people have reported that they do not believe that multitasking ( for example , texting and watching a show while doing homework ) , affects their productivity .
However , studies have proven that multitasking reduces productivity , and makes it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be retrieved later [ 2 ] .
3 .
Technology is a source of family tension .
There has been some research that has pointed to conflicts that are a result of family members being distracted by media and technology use .
Many children , in fact , believe that their parents check their devices too often , and it makes them feel less important [ 2 ] .
4 .
Problematic media use may cause lower empathy and social well-being .
Some experts believe that because time spent on media subtracts from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ social media frequently have less of an opportunity to become more empathetic by conversing and learning from human facial and vocal cues [ 2 ] .
5 .
Technology may facilitate new ways for adolescents to express developmental needs .
Most importantly , this includes the need for social connection and validation from peer groups .
What appears on the outside as excessive use and distraction may actually be a reflection of the new way adolescents and teens maintain peer relations and engage in communities that are relevant to them [ 2 ] @ @ @ @ @ @ @ adult role-modeling can prevent problematic use .
According to the report , a balanced approach includes “ fostering awareness of media and self , embracing quality media usage , selective single-tasking , carving out times and places to disconnect , and nurturing relationships and face-to-face conversation.
” They point out that technology can have benefits , and can be used to form deeper relationships , to allow for creativity and exploration , and to explore identity .
A healthy digital lifestyle should include thoughtful and intentional uses of media and technology [ 2 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ More Than Warmth , Says Child Psychologist While there is still debate as to whether or not a true technology addiction exists , Robert Lustig , a professor of pediatrics focused on endocrinology at the University of Southern California and author of The Hacking of the American Mind , believes that the answer is an unequivocal yes .
Lustig , who studies what the brain does when it is addicted to anything , be it sugar or heroin , has found that the brain responds to technology in the same way that it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ overuse of technology puts more stress on the brain , causing it to release higher amounts of cortisol , which kills neurons in the memory center of the brain .
It can also cause the prefrontal cortex , or the “ executive ” part of the brain , to deactivate .
This part of the brain normally limits dopamine and our sense of pleasure or reward .
When it is inactive , our brains get used to the higher amount of dopamine and want us to continue to seek out the substance or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ particularly susceptible because their prefrontal cortex is the last part of the brain to develop .
Jenny Radesky , a developmental-behavioral pediatrician who wrote the screen time guidelines for the American Academy of Pediatrics , says that they don ’ t use the term “ addiction ” for early childhood , but instead “ functional impairment ” .
Research shows that screen time interferes with fundamental aspects of healthy childhood development , including sleep , healthy eating , and what are called “ serve and return ” moments .
These are moments when @ @ @ @ @ @ @ connection with eye contact , smiles , and words , which helps the baby ’ s brain develop .
In addition to their report , Common Sense Media also released the result of a poll entitled Dealing with Devices : The Parent-Teen Dynamic .
The results of the poll stated that 72 percent of teenagers feel the need to immediately respond to texts and other social media messages , 78 percent check their devices at least every hour , and half of them feel they are addicted to their mobile device [ 4 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , be slightly exaggerated .
According to AAP pediatrician Dr. David Hill , a true addiction is determined by compulsive behavior .
He argues that it is difficult to say that a child or teen is addicted to something if everything else is getting done .
He does admit , however , that true phone addiction does exist , and it is known as problematic internet use ( PIU ) .
Alongside it , there is Internet Gaming Disorder .
The percentage of children affected by either of these issues , however , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ] .
How is Technology Affecting Our Kids ?
So perhaps your child doesn ’ t have a full-blown technology addiction , but that doesn ’ t mean that they are not being affected by technology use .
Studies have shown that moderate to high screen time for children , that is four or more hours per day , lowers their overall psychological well being .
Too much screen time may also be making your kids moody and lazy .
Studies have shown that spending too much time staring at a screen affects @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which can lead to a number of health issues including hormone imbalance and brain inflammation [ 6 ] .
Using phones late at night has also been associated with an increased risk of mental illness among adolescents , and depletes their mental reserves [ 6,7 ] High technology usage may also be reducing the amount of physical activity your child is getting since they are spending more time sitting inside on their devices instead of running around outside with their friends .
This could lead to obesity and other related health problems [ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Kids As the Common Sense Media Report suggested , the best thing you can do as a parent is to model appropriate technology usage .
You should talk to your kids about technology use , and why moderating it is important .
The report notes that a balanced approach prioritizes focusing on a single task when using technology , instead of multitasking in educational , work , or social contexts .
Make sure you carve out time and places to disconnect so that you can nurture your relationship with your child and have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ children to understand that online communication should be used in conjunction with in-person interaction to support healthy , rich social relationships .
As a parent , you should be having an ongoing conversation with your children about their media usage , and encouraging them to engage in other activities that don ’ t involve screen time as much as possible .
Pay close attention to their behavior , and if you notice any changes , talk with them about how they are using technology , and whether or not it is being used @ @ @ @ @ @ @ suspect too much screen time is becoming problematic , you could even consider doing a family technology ‘ detox ‘ .

In 2015, granola bar company Nature Valley created an ad in which they asked three generations of families one question: When you were a kid, what did you do for fun?
The older two generations shared many wonderful memories of playing outside, building forts, picking blueberries, and going on fishing trips. They reminisced fondly of all the fun times they had as children.
When it came time for the youngest generation to answer the question, however, the responses were decidedly different. Rather than launch into stories of playing tag with their friends, going to the park, or riding bikes through the neighborhood, these kids are spending five hours per day or more texting, emailing, browsing social media, playing video games, and watching shows.
One child even bragged about how they watched twenty-three episodes of a TV series in less than four days. Another young girl claimed that she “would die without her tablet”.
This ad gave us a scary look at the way today’s children are growing up, and touched and what could be a painful truth- that technology is fundamentally changing childhood. You can see it below for yourself if you’d like.
Are Our Children Addicted to Technology?
Common Sense Media conducted a report entitled Technology Addiction: Concern, Controversy, and Finding Balance. The report determined that problematic media use is a growing problem, but there are large gaps in the research on technology addiction.
So far, much of the research that has been carried out has focused on adults and teenagers, with no specific research geared toward the impact of technology on children [1]. Common Sense Media’s report made six key findings:
1. Internet addiction is potentially serious and requires further study.
There is disagreement among experts as to whether or not internet addiction is a new psychological disorder, or if it is a manifestation of another disorder. There is also ambiguity surrounding what internet addiction actually is, given that many things can be done on the internet including watching videos, playing games, or using social media.
Since we are always connected, measuring the amount of time someone spends on the internet is difficult, and there is controversy over whether internet addiction can be classified in the same category as substance abuse or a behavioral disorder [2].
2. Our digital lifestyles may be harming our ability to remain focused.
There have been several studies in which young people have reported that they do not believe that multitasking (for example, texting and watching a show while doing homework), affects their productivity. However, studies have proven that multitasking reduces productivity, and makes it more difficult to create memories that can be retrieved later [2].
3. Technology is a source of family tension.
There has been some research that has pointed to conflicts that are a result of family members being distracted by media and technology use. Many children, in fact, believe that their parents check their devices too often, and it makes them feel less important [2].
4. Problematic media use may cause lower empathy and social well-being.
Some experts believe that because time spent on media subtracts from face-to-face time, so those who use social media frequently have less of an opportunity to become more empathetic by conversing and learning from human facial and vocal cues [2].
5. Technology may facilitate new ways for adolescents to express developmental needs.
Most importantly, this includes the need for social connection and validation from peer groups. What appears on the outside as excessive use and distraction may actually be a reflection of the new way adolescents and teens maintain peer relations and engage in communities that are relevant to them [2].
6. A balanced approach and adult role-modeling can prevent problematic use.
According to the report, a balanced approach includes “fostering awareness of media and self, embracing quality media usage, selective single-tasking, carving out times and places to disconnect, and nurturing relationships and face-to-face conversation.”
They point out that technology can have benefits, and can be used to form deeper relationships, to allow for creativity and exploration, and to explore identity. A healthy digital lifestyle should include thoughtful and intentional uses of media and technology [2].
“Technology is a Drug”
While there is still debate as to whether or not a true technology addiction exists, Robert Lustig, a professor of pediatrics focused on endocrinology at the University of Southern California and author of The Hacking of the American Mind, believes that the answer is an unequivocal yes.
“It’s not a drug, but it might as well be. It works the same way … it has the same results,” he said [3].
Lustig, who studies what the brain does when it is addicted to anything, be it sugar or heroin, has found that the brain responds to technology in the same way that it responds to other addictive substances.
”Technology, like all other ‘rewards,’ can overrelease dopamine, overexcite and kill neurons, leading to addiction,” he said [3].
The overuse of technology puts more stress on the brain, causing it to release higher amounts of cortisol, which kills neurons in the memory center of the brain. It can also cause the prefrontal cortex, or the “executive” part of the brain, to deactivate. This part of the brain normally limits dopamine and our sense of pleasure or reward. When it is inactive, our brains get used to the higher amount of dopamine and want us to continue to seek out the substance or habit.
He notes that adolescents are particularly susceptible because their prefrontal cortex is the last part of the brain to develop.
“Any force in our lives, whether it is substance or behavior that is ubiquitous, toxic, abused and has negative impacts on society requires some form of societal intervention,” he said. “Technology addiction clearly meets the bar.” [3]
Jenny Radesky, a developmental-behavioral pediatrician who wrote the screen time guidelines for the American Academy of Pediatrics, says that they don’t use the term “addiction” for early childhood, but instead “functional impairment”.
Research shows that screen time interferes with fundamental aspects of healthy childhood development, including sleep, healthy eating, and what are called “serve and return” moments. These are moments when parents respond to babies seeking assurance and connection with eye contact, smiles, and words, which helps the baby’s brain develop.
The Parent-Ten Dynamic
In addition to their report, Common Sense Media also released the result of a poll entitled Dealing with Devices: The Parent-Teen Dynamic. The results of the poll stated that 72 percent of teenagers feel the need to immediately respond to texts and other social media messages, 78 percent check their devices at least every hour, and half of them feel they are addicted to their mobile device [4].
These numbers may, however, be slightly exaggerated. According to AAP pediatrician Dr. David Hill, a true addiction is determined by compulsive behavior.
“Is the kid getting enough sleep? Exercise? Actual face time with friends and family? Is homework getting done? These are the questions you need to ask. Any kind of compulsive activity, whether it be gambling or internet use, really boils down to the displacement of other things,” he says [5].
He argues that it is difficult to say that a child or teen is addicted to something if everything else is getting done.
He does admit, however, that true phone addiction does exist, and it is known as problematic internet use (PIU). Alongside it, there is Internet Gaming Disorder. The percentage of children affected by either of these issues, however, is less than ten percent [5].
How is Technology Affecting Our Kids?
So perhaps your child doesn’t have a full-blown technology addiction, but that doesn’t mean that they are not being affected by technology use. Studies have shown that moderate to high screen time for children, that is four or more hours per day, lowers their overall psychological well being.
Too much screen time may also be making your kids moody and lazy. Studies have shown that spending too much time staring at a screen affects your child’s body clock, which can lead to a number of health issues including hormone imbalance and brain inflammation [6].
Using phones late at night has also been associated with an increased risk of mental illness among adolescents, and depletes their mental reserves [6,7]
High technology usage may also be reducing the amount of physical activity your child is getting since they are spending more time sitting inside on their devices instead of running around outside with their friends. This could lead to obesity and other related health problems [8].
How to Help Your Kids
As the Common Sense Media Report suggested, the best thing you can do as a parent is to model appropriate technology usage. You should talk to your kids about technology use, and why moderating it is important.
The report notes that a balanced approach prioritizes focusing on a single task when using technology, instead of multitasking in educational, work, or social contexts.
Make sure you carve out time and places to disconnect so that you can nurture your relationship with your child and have face-to-face interaction. It is important for children to understand that online communication should be used in conjunction with in-person interaction to support healthy, rich social relationships.
As a parent, you should be having an ongoing conversation with your children about their media usage, and encouraging them to engage in other activities that don’t involve screen time as much as possible. Pay close attention to their behavior, and if you notice any changes, talk with them about how they are using technology, and whether or not it is being used in a healthy way. If you suspect too much screen time is becoming problematic, you could even consider doing a family technology ‘detox’.


theheartysoul--2020-05-13--A Pigeon was ‘caught with backpack of drugs’: Yes, this actually happened.

Homing pigeons ( aka Carrier pigeons ) were used to deliver messages across long distances for hundreds of years .
While our modern-day postal service , telephones , text and internet messaging have taken away the need for pigeons to deliver messages , their skills are still being put to use .
Unfortunately , that use is not exactly a noble one .
Around the world , pigeons are being used to smuggle drugs .
Pigeon in Kuwait Caught with a Backpack Full of Drugs In May of 2017 , customs officials in Kuwait found and captured a pigeon that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ its back .
Inside the small pack were 178 white pills .
These pills were believed to be ketamine , an anesthetic used illegally as a party drug .
The pigeon was caught near the border with Iraq .
( 1 ) Kuwait officials had known for quite some time that pigeons were being used to smuggle illicit substances , however , this was their first time successfully capturing one of the little smugglers .
( 1 ) This is not an isolated incident .
Pigeons have been used around the world to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ prisons and across borders .
Pigeons have been caught in Costa Rica , Columbia , Buenos Aires , Argentina , Mexico , and the United States .
( 1 ) Though pigeons often appear to be unintelligent , the reality is they have incredible navigational skills .
Their ability to find their way back home is something that has baffled scientists for quite some time .
There are a few theories as to how the birds do this , even from thousands of kilometers away : • They memorize a pattern Using landmarks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ trips , a pigeon will memorize the optimal pattern home .
( 2 ) • They use the position of the sun If the sun is out , they can use their position relative to the sun ’ s position to navigate back to their nests .
( 2 ) • Their sense of smell They know by smell where their home is , so they can follow scent and wind patterns to find their way back .
( 2 ) • With low-frequency sound waves Pigeons can hear frequencies far lower than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hertz sound waves that are emitted by the earth itself .
They create acoustic maps of their surroundings and follow that map home .
( 3 ) All of this , of course , is still only speculation .
Pigeons can be trained to follow a specific route in order to drop off messages , or in today ’ s world , packages of drugs .
This is not a fool-proof method , however , as while pigeons usually find their way home , they can still get lost , as well as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from reaching their final destination .
Keep Reading : First Time In 6 Decades , Bioluminescent Planktons Light Up A Beach In Acapulco

Homing pigeons (aka Carrier pigeons) were used to deliver messages across long distances for hundreds of years. While our modern-day postal service, telephones, text and internet messaging have taken away the need for pigeons to deliver messages, their skills are still being put to use. Unfortunately, that use is not exactly a noble one. One pigeon caught with a backpack of drugs has been taken into custody in Kuwait.
Around the world, pigeons are being used to smuggle drugs.
A pigeon caught with a backpack of drugs
In May of 2017, customs officials in Kuwait found and captured a pigeon that had a small felt backpack strapped to its back. Inside the small pack were 178 white pills. These pills were believed to be ketamine, an anesthetic used illegally as a party drug. The pigeon was caught near the border with Iraq. (1)
Kuwait officials had known for quite some time that pigeons were being used to smuggle illicit substances, however, this was their first time successfully capturing one of the little smugglers. (1)
Other Instances of Pigeon Smuggling
This is not an isolated incident. Pigeons have been used around the world to smuggle high-value, light-weight illegal narcotics into prisons and across borders. Pigeons have been caught in Costa Rica, Columbia, Buenos Aires, Argentina, Mexico, and the United States. (1)
How Pigeons Smuggle Drugs
Though pigeons often appear to be unintelligent, the reality is they have incredible navigational skills. Their ability to find their way back home is something that has baffled scientists for quite some time. There are a few theories as to how the birds do this, even from thousands of kilometers away:
They memorize a pattern
Using landmarks, over anywhere from five to ten trips, a pigeon will memorize the optimal pattern home. (2) They use the position of the sun
If the sun is out, they can use their position relative to the sun’s position to navigate back to their nests. (2) Their sense of smell
They know by smell where their home is, so they can follow scent and wind patterns to find their way back. (2) With low-frequency sound waves
Pigeons can hear frequencies far lower than humans can. This includes the 0.1 hertz sound waves that are emitted by the earth itself. They create acoustic maps of their surroundings and follow that map home.
All of this, of course, is still only speculation. Pigeons can be trained to follow a specific route in order to drop off messages, or in today’s world, packages of drugs. This is not a fool-proof method, however, as while pigeons usually find their way home, they can still get lost, as well as predators and other risks can prevent them from reaching their final destination.
Read More: Man killed by his own rooster during cockfight


theheartysoul--2020-05-13--Should Every School Have a Year-Round Gardening Program?

Gardening was an integral part of life for many of our ancestors in generations past , but today , most of us get all of our food at large supermarkets and spend very little time thinking about where it actually comes from , or how it ’ s grown .
This , unfortunately , has been passed down to our children , and today ’ s kids are very disconnected from the land and their food .
There are some schools , however , who are trying to change that .
The Waldorf School of Cape Cod has a 24 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ property , wherein the children , along with adults , plant and harvest crops such as carrots , spinach , kale , and other vegetables .
The program teaches students the process that is required for a seed to become a ripe fruit or vegetable , and in turn , they learn the benefits of growing your own food .
The greenhouse , which features a removable roof for the summer months to avoid overheating , devotes half of its space to an open area where students and teachers can congregate and learn @ @ @ @ @ @ @ some time each year to working in the greenhouse , but the third-grade students are always the weekly farmers , in charge of tasks such as turning lunch scraps into compost using the school ’ s tumbling composter .
The newest addition to the project is a worm bed inside the hoop house to create vermicompost .
Even throughout the summer , the school offers family gardening once a week so students can come with their parents and work in the garden [ 1 ] .
Read : Alaska High School Teacher Hunted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Animal to Learn Life Skills Another great example of a school garden comes out of the UK , at London ’ s Charlton Manor Primary School .
It was started by the school ’ s headteacher , Tim Baker after he saw news reports stating that today ’ s children were lacking in knowledge of where their food came from .
He decided that he would put some unused land on the school ’ s property to good use and start a garden .
Baker wanted to use the garden to teach @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cycles , flowering plants , pollination , adaptation , creative writing , and report writing .
He explained that there was also a behavioral element to it .
In his mind , the garden was an opportunity to help the students develop a sense of responsibility for something .
After four years , the garden has now become a central part of the school ’ s curriculum .
While some of the staff were concerned that behavioral problems would worsen if the classroom was taken outside , once they started using the garden @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their more difficult pupils .
Children at the school have now used the garden as a backdrop for creative projects , as well as math lessons .
Produce from the garden is sold at the school shop , which is run by students on weekdays .
The sales revenue helps to fund the garden and has allowed them to purchase tools and supplies when needed .
Baker has seen the remarkable positive impact the garden has had at his school and his community .
Read : 12 Survival Skills Your Great-Grandparents Knew ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ In the United States , there are nearly five thousand school gardens in operation [ 3 ] .
The benefits of these gardens are innumerable .
In a time when kids are spending more and more time in front of screens , and when childhood obesity is on the rise , a school garden can promote being outside , physical activity , and healthy eating .
Studies have shown that areas with greater access to affordable produce , along with higher costs of fast-food , are associated with lower BMIs .
Many experts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a role in changing children ’ s perspectives about food and providing access to healthy choices .
Curt Ellis is the CEO of FoodCorps , an organization that has placed service members at 350 schools across the country to deliver gardening and cooking lessons and encourage a school-wide culture of health and nutrition .
He says that the traditional way nutrition has been taught is not creating the kind of healthy eating culture that children need .
School gardens give students the opportunity to taste and eat healthy food , learn how to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ teamwork skills .
They promote better nutrition , and they teach children to value the work of the people who grow our food on a daily basis [ 5 ] .
Gardens provide an experiential , hands-on learning environment .
Kids are engaged in a real-world activity and are encouraged to explore and reason independently .
They help children to change their eating habits by building an emotional connection to the food that they ’ re growing , making them more open-minded when it comes to trying new dishes [ 4 ] .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ benefits and more at his school .
Keep Reading : High School Hosts ‘ Adulting Day ’ to Teach Students Real-life Basics Before They Graduate

Gardening was an integral part of life for many of our ancestors in generations past, but today, most of us get all of our food at large supermarkets and spend very little time thinking about where it actually comes from, or how it’s grown. It’s time to institute a nationwide school gardening program to teach kids about how to grow food and reconnect people with their roots.
Why have a school gardening program
This, unfortunately, has been passed down to our children, and today’s kids are very disconnected from the land and their food. There are some schools, however, who are trying to change that.
The Waldorf School
The Waldorf School of Cape Cod has a 24 by 48-foot hoop house on their school property, wherein the children, along with adults, plant and harvest crops such as carrots, spinach, kale, and other vegetables.
The program teaches students the process that is required for a seed to become a ripe fruit or vegetable, and in turn, they learn the benefits of growing your own food. The greenhouse, which features a removable roof for the summer months to avoid overheating, devotes half of its space to an open area where students and teachers can congregate and learn.
Every student in the school devotes some time each year to working in the greenhouse, but the third-grade students are always the weekly farmers, in charge of tasks such as turning lunch scraps into compost using the school’s tumbling composter. The newest addition to the project is a worm bed inside the hoop house to create vermicompost.
Even throughout the summer, the school offers family gardening once a week so students can come with their parents and work in the garden.
Read: Alaska High School Teacher Hunted a Moose and had his Students Butcher the Animal to Learn Life Skills
The Charlton Manor Primary School
Another great example of a school garden comes out of the UK, at London’s Charlton Manor Primary School. It was started by the school’s headteacher, Tim Baker after he saw news reports stating that today’s children were lacking in knowledge of where their food came from. He decided that he would put some unused land on the school’s property to good use and start a garden.
“I saw a garden as an opportunity for the children to learn in a real way, in an outdoor context, while also instilling an understanding of where their food came from and the importance of eating fruit and vegetables.” [2]
Baker wanted to use the garden to teach other topics as well, including life cycles, flowering plants, pollination, adaptation, creative writing, and report writing.
“I believed that plenty of subjects could be well taught in a garden, while increasing pupils’ activity levels and encouraging teamwork,” he said [2].
He explained that there was also a behavioral element to it. In his mind, the garden was an opportunity to help the students develop a sense of responsibility for something.
After four years, the garden has now become a central part of the school’s curriculum. While some of the staff were concerned that behavioral problems would worsen if the classroom was taken outside, once they started using the garden they noticed a distinct behavioral change in their more difficult pupils.
Children at the school have now used the garden as a backdrop for creative projects, as well as math lessons.
“In maths measurement classes, children have mapped out flower beds rather than relying on small-scale drawings in textbooks. We’ve produced charts and graphs by measuring sprouting sunflowers, and recorded weather information from the weather station and charted its effects.” [2]
Produce from the garden is sold at the school shop, which is run by students on weekdays. The sales revenue helps to fund the garden and has allowed them to purchase tools and supplies when needed.
Baker has seen the remarkable positive impact the garden has had at his school and his community.
“The garden has transformed the school and provided wonderful learning opportunities for the children. It has brought the community together in a huge way and continues to develop.” [2]
Read: 12 Survival Skills Your Great-Grandparents Knew (That Most Of Us Have Forgotten)
The Benefits of School Gardens
In the United States, there are nearly five thousand school gardens in operation [3]. The benefits of these gardens are innumerable. In a time when kids are spending more and more time in front of screens, and when childhood obesity is on the rise, a school garden can promote being outside, physical activity, and healthy eating.
Studies have shown that areas with greater access to affordable produce, along with higher costs of fast-food, are associated with lower BMIs. Many experts agree that schools can and should play a role in changing children’s perspectives about food and providing access to healthy choices.
“Every time kids set foot in the cafeteria, they are absorbing messages about food and what a healthy meal should look like,” says Bettina Elias Siegal, an expert on children and food policy [4].
Curt Ellis is the CEO of FoodCorps, an organization that has placed service members at 350 schools across the country to deliver gardening and cooking lessons and encourage a school-wide culture of health and nutrition. He says that the traditional way nutrition has been taught is not creating the kind of healthy eating culture that children need.
“In far too many schools around the country, nutrition education looks like an authority figure standing at the front of the classroom pointing at a government poster on the wall,” he explains. “Just as we have learned that rote memorization is no longer the right way to teach kids math or English skills, the same is true with nutrition education.” [4]
School gardens give students the opportunity to taste and eat healthy food, learn how to grow fruits and vegetables, and develop teamwork skills. They promote better nutrition, and they teach children to value the work of the people who grow our food on a daily basis [5].
Gardens provide an experiential, hands-on learning environment. Kids are engaged in a real-world activity and are encouraged to explore and reason independently. They help children to change their eating habits by building an emotional connection to the food that they’re growing, making them more open-minded when it comes to trying new dishes [4].
Tim Baker has witnessed all of these benefits and more at his school.
“That’s why for me, a garden in whatever guise – from wooded plot to a handful of makeshift containers, hanging baskets or a window sill – should be viewed as an essential learning tool for all schools.” [2]
Keep Reading: This Chart Shows You Which Chores Are Age-Appropriate For Your Kids


theheartysoul--2020-05-13--Why People Who Marry Teachers End Up The Happiest

People can tell a lot about each other based on their career paths .
That ’ s not to say the stereotypes of different jobs are always accurate .
Lawyers aren ’ t necessarily smooth-talkers , accountants aren ’ t necessarily nerdy , and artists aren ’ t necessarily soulful .
However , there are certain traits that are vital for people to succeed in their chosen professions .
For example , veterinarians need to care about animals , managers need to have good leadership skills , dancers need to be agile , and chefs need to cook well under @ @ @ @ @ @ @ prudent to check a person ’ s profession when choosing a life partner .
It may indicate a lot about their personality .
A job as a librarian may not indicate whether the person is an introvert or extrovert , but it ’ s safe to assume he or she enjoys books .
A good lobbyist is a good communicator , and that should branch out in other areas of his life .
However , there ’ s one job whose quality is determined by good character traits : teachers .
Pearson conducted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ see what qualifies a good teacher .
These were the top five choices : • The ability to develop trusting relationships to create a safe , positive , and productive environment .
This includes being willing to listen when there is a problem .
• Empathy and intelligence to understand the needs of all types of learners .
• A feeling of passion and commitment to their student ’ s success , and always willing to spend time helping them .
Reading this list over , don ’ t these traits seem attractive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a good teacher would also make a good life partner .
Everyone has a favorite teacher they recall as being loving and kind .
I remember my fourth-grade teacher .
She would give out candies whenever we had to take a test , usually peppermints or sucking candies that looked like colored glass and tasted like love .
I had missed a month of school that year , and my grades slipped until the final test .
She handed me the paper back and whispered , “ I ’ m so happy you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would have been worried about you.
” I don ’ t remember the mark , but I remember how much she cared .
Read : Teacher Urges Parents to Ditch Homeschooling and Play Games & Bake Cakes Instead These traits are a reflection of a good teacher , but they are also the reflection of a good person .
The best teachers are responsible .
Their job requires them to be accountable for the welfare of young children .
Also , they have to be organized by keeping all of their lessons planned @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in a reasonable amount of time , meeting state education guidelines , and they rarely call in sick .
They are passionate about intellectually raising the next generation , teaching them how to think , behave , and process the world around them .
A life partner who can take responsibility and work under pressure is truly a gift .
[ 2 ] Teachers also have to be quick on their feet , because kids are often unpredictable .
Glue might spill all over the floor , the gerbil might disappear , two @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and one pupil might walk in crying the day after her grandparent died .
Relationships are often just as messy and complicated , and a partner quick to solve problems and listen to others is a blessing .
Teachers are also great at communication , which is key to a healthy and strong partnership .
Plus , anyone who can make math sound interesting sure knows how to keep a conversation lively .
Teaching is an incredibly underpaid profession , but teachers brave through the long hours , preparing on weekends , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and spending their own money to ensure their students get the education they need to succeed .
This level of commitment and passion is just as beneficial for a lasting relationship .
[ 3 ] Also , people remember their fun teachers .
In seventh grade , my teacher came to school dressed as a witch complete with a wig and fake warts .
I don ’ t remember why she did it , although she did say , “ You ’ re not going to remember anything I taught you , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ She was right .
Teachers let themselves go with the flow and do things to excite the children they ’ re teaching , even it ’ s as simple as letting them go to recess a few minutes early , organizing prizes and games , reading stories , or taking a class outside to learn .
Children love life , and that amiability rubs off on anyone who interacts with them .
A person who is happy , rolls with the punches , and enjoys life is a beautiful person to spend the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ if you choose to marry a teacher , you ’ re marrying a lifestyle that includes summers off , nights and weekends working , and a job that never truly stops .
Your partner will always be thinking about the students and the community they create .
There will be stress and some days your partner will need a comforting shoulder .
You will share in your partner ’ s world as he or she loves and educates the next generation .
Keep Reading : High School Creates ‘ Wellness ’ Room to @ @ @ @

People can tell a lot about each other based on their career paths. That’s not to say the stereotypes of different jobs are always accurate. Lawyers aren’t necessarily smooth-talkers, accountants aren’t necessarily nerdy, and artists aren’t necessarily soulful. However, there are certain traits that are vital for people to succeed in their chosen professions.
For example, veterinarians need to care about animals, managers need to have good leadership skills, dancers need to be agile, and chefs need to cook well under pressure. Therefore, it may be prudent to check a person’s profession when choosing a life partner. It may indicate a lot about their personality. A job as a librarian may not indicate whether the person is an introvert or extrovert, but it’s safe to assume he or she enjoys books. A good lobbyist is a good communicator, and that should branch out in other areas of his life.
However, there’s one job whose quality is determined by good character traits: teachers.
“Top Five Qualities of Effective Teachers”
Pearson conducted a survey among students ages 15–19 to see what qualifies a good teacher. These were the top five choices:
The ability to develop trusting relationships to create a safe, positive, and productive environment. This includes being willing to listen when there is a problem. A patient, caring, and kind personality. Empathy and intelligence to understand the needs of all types of learners. A feeling of passion and commitment to their student’s success, and always willing to spend time helping them. Being engaging and motivating. [1]
Reading this list over, don’t these traits seem attractive in a relationship? It seems that a good teacher would also make a good life partner.
Good Teacher, Good Partner
Everyone has a favorite teacher they recall as being loving and kind. I remember my fourth-grade teacher. She would give out candies whenever we had to take a test, usually peppermints or sucking candies that looked like colored glass and tasted like love. I had missed a month of school that year, and my grades slipped until the final test. She handed me the paper back and whispered, “I’m so happy you got this mark, or else I would have been worried about you.” I don’t remember the mark, but I remember how much she cared.
These traits are a reflection of a good teacher, but they are also the reflection of a good person.
The best teachers are responsible. Their job requires them to be accountable for the welfare of young children. Also, they have to be organized by keeping all of their lessons planned, grading homework, and returning them in a reasonable amount of time, meeting state education guidelines, and they rarely call in sick. They are passionate about intellectually raising the next generation, teaching them how to think, behave, and process the world around them. A life partner who can take responsibility and work under pressure is truly a gift. [2]
Teachers also have to be quick on their feet, because kids are often unpredictable. Glue might spill all over the floor, the gerbil might disappear, two students might fight over the same seat, and one pupil might walk in crying the day after her grandparent died. Relationships are often just as messy and complicated, and a partner quick to solve problems and listen to others is a blessing.
Teachers are also great at communication, which is key to a healthy and strong partnership. Plus, anyone who can make math sound interesting sure knows how to keep a conversation lively.
Teaching is an incredibly underpaid profession, but teachers brave through the long hours, preparing on weekends, waking up early, leaving late, and spending their own money to ensure their students get the education they need to succeed. This level of commitment and passion is just as beneficial for a lasting relationship. [3]
Also, people remember their fun teachers. In seventh grade, my teacher came to school dressed as a witch complete with a wig and fake warts. I don’t remember why she did it, although she did say, “You’re not going to remember anything I taught you, but you will remember the witch costume.” She was right. Teachers let themselves go with the flow and do things to excite the children they’re teaching, even it’s as simple as letting them go to recess a few minutes early, organizing prizes and games, reading stories, or taking a class outside to learn.
Children love life, and that amiability rubs off on anyone who interacts with them. A person who is happy, rolls with the punches, and enjoys life is a beautiful person to spend the rest of your life with.
So if you choose to marry a teacher, you’re marrying a lifestyle that includes summers off, nights and weekends working, and a job that never truly stops. Your partner will always be thinking about the students and the community they create. There will be stress and some days your partner will need a comforting shoulder. You will share in your partner’s world as he or she loves and educates the next generation.
Keep Reading: High School Creates ‘Wellness’ Room to Help De-stress their Teachers


theheartysoul--2020-05-13--Bring The Ocean Vibes Into Your Home With a Mermaid Tail Succulent

Perhaps you are one of the thousands of people who have had to cancel vacation plans this year because of the COVID-19 pandemic .
Instead of relaxing on a white sand beach somewhere , you ’ ve been stuck inside your house wondering if and when you ’ ll be able to travel again .
While it ’ s difficult to say when international travel will become a possibility again , why not try to bring a few ocean vibes right into your home , to help give you that vacation feeling while you wait out this storm ?
Home @ @ @ @ @ @ @ unique way of creating a tropical feeling no matter where you are , and one special plant does a particularly good job at accomplishing exactly that : the mermaid cactus .
This unique succulent , with its blue-green color and upcurved leaves , bears an uncanny resemblance to a mermaid or whale ’ s tail .
Its one-of-a-kind appearance will make you think of the ocean and help you to feel like you ’ re in a tropical paradise somewhere far away [ 1 ] .
Instead of growing upwards , this cactus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can reach a width of up to three to five feet .
Originally from the eastern cape of South Africa , the mermaid plant grows in the winter and is dormant during the summer , the opposite of the majority of succulents [ 2 ] .
The best part about these cacti is that they are very easy to take care of , and require very little care .
They are highly resistant to drought and prefer sand or well-drained soil , so they don ’ t have to be watered very frequently @ @ @ @ @ @ @ locations , as well as lightly shaded areas , making them suitable for both indoor and outdoor use [ 2 ] .
Read : Rose Succulents : The Rare Plants That Could Have Come Straight Out Of a Fairytale Although the two terms are often used interchangeably , cacti and succulents are technically different .
A succulent is any plant that stores water in its leaves , stems , or roots in order to withstand a possible drought .
A cactus is a succulent , but it is placed in its own category @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but not all succulents are cacti .
Cacti do not have leaves .
Instead , they have stems that are modified into cylinders , pads , or joints to store water in case of a drought , with thick skin to reduce evaporation .
They usually have spines or bristles to protect them from animals , however , some have long hair or a wooly covering instead .
Most succulents did not evolve in the harsh , extremely dry conditions of the areas where you typically find cacti , so they have leaves @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to tie them over during dry spells .
While cacti are mostly found in desert areas , succulents are usually found in places that have a rainy season followed by a very dry season , hence why they have leaves , and cacti do not [ 3 ] .
Six Rules for Taking Care of Succulents Although they are very low maintenance , especially when compared to other types of plants , there are still some rules to follow if you want to make sure your succulents stay healthy , and ultimately don @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is important .
While some varieties ( like the mermaid cactus ) , require less sunlight than some , succulents as a group love sunlight .
If you ’ re keeping them inside , try to put them near a window where they will get at least six hours of sunlight every day .
If you have a newly planted succulent , however , it is a good idea to provide partial shade using a sheer curtain , to avoid scorching them in direct sunlight until they are more mature and established [ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ often .
If you leave your succulent sitting in the same spot day in and day out , it is likely that only one side of the plant is getting adequate sunlight .
Succulents will lean toward the sun , which could also be a sign that they need to be put in a location that receives more light .
Once you ’ ve found a good spot , rotate them frequently so the entire plant will get enough light [ 4 ] .
3 .
Adjust their water according to the seasons @ @ @ @ @ @ @ phase , they require much more water than when they ’ re dormant .
A good way to know if your cactus needs water during the growth phase is with your finger .
Stick your finger into the soil , and once the top 1.25 inches are dry , you know it ’ s time to water .
It ’ s very important not to over-water your cacti , or else they will die .
Most succulents grow in the spring and summer and rest in the fall and winter , but make @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is different , so you can adjust your watering properly [ 4 ] .
It is also important that you water them correctly .
If your container has drainage holes in the bottom , then you should soak the soil until water begins to run out the bottom .
If you don ’ t have drainage holes , simply use less water .
You also want to avoid getting the leaves wet , as this could cause mold , so be sure to water the soil directly [ 4 ] .
4 .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ inevitably collect dust over time , which can inhibit their growth .
If you notice this happening , gently wipe the leaves of your plants with a damp cloth , or use a soft paintbrush to get at the spots that are more difficult to reach [ 4 ] .
5 .
Plant them in the right soil .
Regular potting soil , or even dirt from the ground , will not be a good option for your succulents .
They need soil that drains well , so choose cactus soil , or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , or perlite .
If you are repotting your plant , be very gentle because succulents ’ roots are very fragile [ 4 ] .
You can also give them a small amount of fertilizer during the growing season , but you must be careful when doing this .
Too much fertilizer can cause your succulent to grow too fast and become weak [ 4 ] .
6 .
Watch out for bugs .
While this is generally not a problem for house plants , gnats and mealybugs are attracted to soil that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have proper drainage .
If you do notice some pests on your plants , move the infected plant away from the others , and spray the soil with a seventy percent isopropyl alcohol solution [ 4 ] .
Keep Reading : Jellyfish Succulents Will Transform Your Garden Into An Otherworldly ‘ Aquarium ’

Mermaids might not be real, (sorry, sailors of yonder olden days), but these plants might be the next best thing. Mermaid tail succulents are a good compromise!
In folklore, mermaids have been given a downcast shadow among the mythical realm. Thought to have brought many who dared to sail the seas to their untimely end, the half woman-half fish entity has always been considered a thing of rare beauty.
To those who believe in symbolism and alternative meanings, mermaids are seen as an interpretation of independence, freedom, and the ability to overcome obstacles and ‘go with the flow.’
Read more: Opal Succulent Plants Look Like A Beautiful Gem Stone
The most powerful part of the myth, and the tool used to navigate treacherous waters: the mermaid tail. Why not bring that intrinsically beautiful symbol to your home?
Even if you’re notorious for not being able to keep a plant alive, you’re in luck, because these types of succulents are one of the easiest to care for, especially compared to seasonal plants which can be quite temperamental.
Read More: How To Propagate Succulents
How to grow mermaid tail succulents
Scientifically named Senecio vitalis, and commonly referred to as “blue chalk fingers,” the Mermaid Tail succulent doesn’t require much watering at all once it is established and has grown roots. As long as there is plenty of sun, and the soil consists of a majority percentage of sandy grit and rocks, with the rest containing nutrient earth, you won’t have much maintenance to provide. Just make sure whatever pot or planter you decide to use, that there is enough drainage. Otherwise, you’ll end up with root rot, and the plant will have a slow, sad demise.
Read more: Bear Paw Succulents Are The Cutest Thing Ever And We Want Them All
If a tiny space is what you’re working with, you might want to opt for a different type of succulent.
These Mermaid Tail succulents grow to about 1.5 feet high, and approximately 2 – 3 feet wide. Fully grown, they provide incredibly captivating scenery for any landscape or household.
The best part about these is that they propagate like most other succulents, so you can easily grow more from one plant. All you have to do is take a cutting of the “fingers,” or “tail fringe,” making sure to leave the piece intact, and place in sandy soil. Water once every few days until roots start to take hold, then restrict watering to once a week.
Keep reading: Bunny Succulents Are The Adorable Houseplant With Bunny Ears


theheartysoul--2020-05-13--This Chart Shows You When You Should Put Your Kids To Bed

For many parents , bedtime can often be a battle .
Not only can it be difficult to get your child to go to bed , but it can also be a challenge to simply determine exactly when you should put them to bed in the first place .
If you try to put your kids to bed too early , they have too much energy and they ’ ll never settle down to go to sleep .
If you leave it too late , they won ’ t get enough sleep , and you ’ ll end up with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ next day .
One school decided to help parents answer this question with a handy chart .
Wilson Elementary School in Kenosha , Wisconsin , put together a chart to help their students ’ parents figure out when to put their kids to sleep .
The chart is based on the age of the child , and their usual wakeup time .
The times were based on the sleep recommendations that have been determined by the American Academy of Pediatrics .
For example , if a five-year-old has to get up for school @ @ @ @ @ @ @ should go to bed at 7:15 pm .
A ten-year-old , however , who has to get up at the same time , can stay up until 8:30pm [ 1 ] .
Read : Children Need Structure More Than Warmth , Says Child Psychologist Bedtime is Important for your Kids ’ Health Adequate sleep is important for all of us , but for children , who are still rapidly growing and developing , it is even more crucial .
If you are noticing that your child is performing worse than usual in school @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more behavioral problems , you may want to consider putting them to bed earlier .
This is because a lack of sleep can make your children moodier , and decrease their cognitive ability .
One study of school-age children found that when they were put to bed earlier five nights in a row , their teachers found that they were less irritable and impulsive than usual .
Conversely , when they lost sleep for five nights , problem behavior worsened [ 2 ] .
Several other studies have found that inadequate sleep in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in tasks that involve learning and memory , executive function ( the processes that control behavior ) , and processing speed [ 3 ] .
Inadequate sleep can also have physical effects on your child .
One study found that children who do not have a regular bedtime were twice as likely to become obese by the age of eleven than those with set bedtimes [ 4 ] .
Getting your child to bed on time will have a positive impact on your health , too .
At a conference organized by the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ getting kids to bed in good time may actually be more important than the amount of sleep they are getting .
“ Results show children who are early-to-sleep have better health-related quality of life ; and their mothers have improved mental health , compared with children who are late-to-sleep , ” they said in their report [ 5 ] .
Putting your kids to bed earlier gives you and your partner more time to be alone together , and will give you more time to relax without the kids making noise or demanding @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an opportunity to catch up on some things that you weren ’ t able to do earlier in the day , or do things that you can ’ t do when your kids are up , like read a book in the bathtub .
How Much Sleep do Kids Need ?
The American Academy of Pediatrics ( AAP ) has published guidelines for parents as to how much sleep their child should be getting on a nightly basis : These recommendations came from the American Academy of Sleep Medicine ( AASM ) , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ thirteen sleep experts who reviewed 864 scientific articles on the topic [ 6 ] .
For many parents , getting their kids to go to bed is often met with resistance , especially if you have multiple children that range in age .
One of the most important things parents can do to help get their kids to sleep earlier is to limit screen time before bed .
The reason , according to the National Sleep Foundation , is because screens from the television , computer , and phones emit blue light that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the hormone responsible for making you feel sleepy [ 7 ] .
This blue light can also increase alertness , and reset the body ’ s internal clock ( also called the circadian rhythm ) to a later schedule .
This is particularly a problem for teens , because their circadian rhythms are already shifting naturally as they approach adulthood .
The Foundation suggests having your kids turn off all screens , including the TV , one to two hours before bedtime so their bodies can start producing more melatonin .
If your @ @ @ @ @ @ @ computer for a school assignment , it can help to dim the brightness of the screen , or to install an app that automatically warms the colors on the screen at sunset so that less blue light is being emitted [ 7 ] .
They also highly recommend setting up a regular bedtime routine that remains consistent every evening .
These rituals will signal your child ’ s brain that it is time to prepare for sleep .
Warm baths , teeth brushing , and a story are calming ways to get your @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
There are other small things you can do to promote sleep , like ensuring that your child ’ s room is a good sleep environment .
This could include decorating with soothing colors , making sure their bed is comfortable , and keeping the temperature of their room cooler at night [ 8 ] .
You may get resistance from your child occasionally , but it is important that you remain steadfast in your commitment to ensuring your child gets adequate sleep .
It will help them do better in school , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and it could even help to prevent obesity as they get older .
If nothing else , having well-rested kids will make your life easier as a parent , and putting them to bed in good time will give you some much-needed alone time .

For many parents, bedtime can often be a battle. Not only can it be difficult to get your child to go to bed, but it can also be a challenge to simply determine exactly when you should put them to bed in the first place. This bedtime chart is here to help!
If you try to put your kids to bed too early, they have too much energy and they’ll never settle down to go to sleep. If you leave it too late, they won’t get enough sleep, and you’ll end up with tired, cranky kids for the entire next day.
One school decided to help parents answer this question with a handy chart.
The Bedtime Chart
Wilson Elementary School in Kenosha, Wisconsin, put together a bedtime chart to help their students’ parents figure out when to put their kids to sleep. The chart is based on the age of the child, and their usual wakeup time.
The times were based on the sleep recommendations that have been determined by the American Academy of Pediatrics. For example, if a five-year-old has to get up for school at 6:30 in the morning, they should go to bed at 7:15 pm. A ten-year-old, however, who has to get up at the same time, can stay up until 8:30pm [1].
Bedtime is Important for your Kids’ Health
Adequate sleep is important for all of us, but for children, who are still rapidly growing and developing, it is even more crucial. If you are noticing that your child is performing worse than usual in school, or that their teachers are reporting more behavioral problems, you may want to consider putting them to bed earlier.
This is because a lack of sleep can make your children moodier, and decrease their cognitive ability. One study of school-age children found that when they were put to bed earlier five nights in a row, their teachers found that they were less irritable and impulsive than usual. Conversely, when they lost sleep for five nights, problem behavior worsened [2].
Several other studies have found that inadequate sleep in children is associated with decreased cognitive performance in tasks that involve learning and memory, executive function (the processes that control behavior), and processing speed [3].
Inadequate sleep can also have physical effects on your child. One study found that children who do not have a regular bedtime were twice as likely to become obese by the age of eleven than those with set bedtimes [4].
Getting your child to bed on time will have a positive impact on your health, too. At a conference organized by the Australian Sleep Foundation, researchers explained that getting kids to bed in good time may actually be more important than the amount of sleep they are getting.
“Results show children who are early-to-sleep have better health-related quality of life; and their mothers have improved mental health, compared with children who are late-to-sleep,” they said in their report [5].
Putting your kids to bed earlier gives you and your partner more time to be alone together, and will give you more time to relax without the kids making noise or demanding your attention. It may also be an opportunity to catch up on some things that you weren’t able to do earlier in the day, or do things that you can’t do when your kids are up, like read a book in the bathtub.
“So mums and dads, getting kids to bed early is not just great for them. It’s good for you too,” the researchers said. “These benefits were seen in all early-to-bed kids regardless of whether they woke early or slept late.” [5]
How Much Sleep do Kids Need?
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has published guidelines for this bedtime chart for parents as to how much sleep their child should be getting on a nightly basis:
Ages 4-12 months: 12-16 hours (including naps)
Ages 1-2 years: 11-14 hours (including naps)
Ages 3-5 years: 10-13 hours (including naps)
Age 6-12 years: 9-12 hours
Age 13-18 years: 8-10 hours
These recommendations came from the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM), and were developed by a panel of thirteen sleep experts who reviewed 864 scientific articles on the topic [6].
How to Make Bedtime Easier
For many parents, getting their kids to go to bed is often met with resistance, especially if you have multiple children that range in age. One of the most important things parents can do to help get their kids to sleep earlier is to limit screen time before bed.
The reason, according to the National Sleep Foundation, is because screens from the television, computer, and phones emit blue light that can delay the release of melatonin, the hormone responsible for making you feel sleepy [7].
This blue light can also increase alertness, and reset the body’s internal clock (also called the circadian rhythm) to a later schedule. This is particularly a problem for teens, because their circadian rhythms are already shifting naturally as they approach adulthood.
The Foundation suggests having your kids turn off all screens, including the TV, one to two hours before bedtime so their bodies can start producing more melatonin. If your older children are working late on their computer for a school assignment, it can help to dim the brightness of the screen, or to install an app that automatically warms the colors on the screen at sunset so that less blue light is being emitted [7].
They also highly recommend setting up a regular bedtime routine that remains consistent every evening. These rituals will signal your child’s brain that it is time to prepare for sleep. Warm baths, teeth brushing, and a story are calming ways to get your kid ready for bed [8].
There are other small things you can do to promote sleep, like ensuring that your child’s room is a good sleep environment. This could include decorating with soothing colors, making sure their bed is comfortable, and keeping the temperature of their room cooler at night [8].
Stick With The Bedtime Chart
You may get resistance from your child occasionally, but it is important that you remain steadfast in your commitment to ensuring your child gets adequate sleep. It will help them do better in school, they will have an improved mood, and it could even help to prevent obesity as they get older.
If nothing else, having well-rested kids will make your life easier as a parent, and putting them to bed in good time will give you some much-needed alone time.
Keep Reading: Lying down with your kids until they fall asleep is not a bad habit


theheartysoul--2020-05-13--The Unthinkable Tragedy That Inspired “Tears in Heaven”

When musician Eric Clapton got the call that his four-year-old son had a fatal accident , he worked through his immense sadness by writing music .
One of those songs , Tears in Heaven , became one of his all-time greatest hits .
( 1 , 2 , 3 ) One of the most horrific experiences a person can go through is the death of their child .
This is made especially jarring when the loss is sudden and unexpected .
Every parent deals with that grief in their own way .
Like many rockstars , Eric Clapton ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and affairs .
Married to his first wife Pattie Boyd from 1979 until 1988 , Eric had many affairs – and two children – during that time .
( 2 , 3 ) His son Conor Clapton was born in 1986 after an affair with Italian model Lory Del Santo .
This little baby boy quickly became the driving force in Eric ’ s life and inspired him to clean up his act .
By March 20 , 1991 , Eric had been completely sober for 3 years – no drugs , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were in New York City at the time , so the night before Eric had taken Conor to the Long Island Zoo .
He was scheduled to take Conor out for lunch that afternoon .
( 2 , 3 ) At around 11 am , just as Eric was preparing to go pick his son up from where he was staying just a few blocks away , he got a call from Lory .
When he answered the phone , she was in hysterics .
( 1 , 2 , 3 ) Little @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that had been left open after some maintenance had been done .
Their apartment was on the 53rd floor of the building , and he landed on the roof of a building 49 stories below them .
( 1 , 2 , 3 ) Read : Rainbow Babies : Children Who Heal Their Families of the Most Inconceivable Pain Hardly believing what he was hearing , Eric went completely numb .
When he arrived on the scene and saw the fire trucks and ambulances everywhere , he felt as though he had walked @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with him .
( 1 , 2 ) In this interview , he spoke about how whenever he feels lost , he picks up the guitar and fiddles around with it .
This therapeutic act has helped him write some of his biggest hits , including Tears in Heaven .
( 1 , 2 , 3 ) Released in 1991 , Tears in Heaven topped the charts in over 20 countries and won several Grammy Awards , including Song of the Year , Album of the Year , and Best Male Pop Vocal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reads : Many of Eric ’ s friends were concerned that the tragic loss of his son , who he credits for helping him get sober , would cause him to relapse harder than ever before .
Instead , it gave him the strength to commit to his sobriety .
( 1 , 2 , 3 ) He wrote two songs , Circus Left Town and Tears in Heaven , neither of which were meant to become public .
Eric was encouraged to add the second of those to the soundtrack for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in his MTV Unplugged set , which was released as a live album later on .
( 1 , 2 , 3 ) Read : Kyrstyn Johnson : An Open Letter to Parents About Infant and Pregnancy Loss Conor ’ s death encouraged Eric to reconnect with his daughter , Ruth Kelly Clapton , who was born the year before Conor from an affair with Yvonne Kelly , the manager of AIR Studios .
It was Ruth that truly helped him through the grief of losing his son .
In 2002 , Eric @ @ @ @ @ @ @ three daughters : Julie Rose , Ella May , and Sophie Belle .
Ruth now has a child of her own , Eric ’ s grandson Isaac Erin Owen Bartlett .
( 1 , 2 , 3 ) Keep Reading : Heartbroken Father Pens Down Pain-Filled Letter after His Son Dies , Urges Parents to Make Their Children the Top Priority

When musician Eric Clapton got the call that his four-year-old son had a fatal accident, he worked through his immense sadness by writing music. One of those songs, Tears in Heaven, became one of his all-time greatest hits. (1, 2, 3)
One of the most horrific experiences a person can go through is the death of their child. This is made especially jarring when the loss is sudden and unexpected. Every parent deals with that grief in their own way.
The Tragedy
Like many rockstars, Eric Clapton’s life involved plenty of drugs, alcohol, and affairs. Married to his first wife Pattie Boyd from 1979 until 1988, Eric had many affairs – and two children – during that time. (2, 3)
His son Conor Clapton was born in 1986 after an affair with Italian model Lory Del Santo. This little baby boy quickly became the driving force in Eric’s life and inspired him to clean up his act.
By March 20, 1991, Eric had been completely sober for 3 years – no drugs, no alcohol. Both Lory and Eric were in New York City at the time, so the night before Eric had taken Conor to the Long Island Zoo. He was scheduled to take Conor out for lunch that afternoon. (2, 3)
At around 11 am, just as Eric was preparing to go pick his son up from where he was staying just a few blocks away, he got a call from Lory. When he answered the phone, she was in hysterics. (1, 2, 3)
“He’s dead! Conor’s dead!“
Little Conor had tragically fallen from a window that had been left open after some maintenance had been done. Their apartment was on the 53rd floor of the building, and he landed on the roof of a building 49 stories below them. (1, 2, 3)
Read: Rainbow Babies: Children Who Heal Their Families of the Most Inconceivable Pain
Eric’s Response
Hardly believing what he was hearing, Eric went completely numb. When he arrived on the scene and saw the fire trucks and ambulances everywhere, he felt as though he had walked into something that had nothing to do with him. (1, 2)
“I felt like I had walked into someone else’s life,” the singer said in a 1992 interview. (1, 2)
In this interview, he spoke about how whenever he feels lost, he picks up the guitar and fiddles around with it. This therapeutic act has helped him write some of his biggest hits, including Tears in Heaven. (1, 2, 3)
Tears in Heaven
Released in 1991, Tears in Heaven topped the charts in over 20 countries and won several Grammy Awards, including Song of the Year, Album of the Year, and Best Male Pop Vocal Performance. A line in the song reads:
“Would you know my name, if I saw you in heaven? Would it be the same, if I saw you in heaven?” (1, 2, 3)
Many of Eric’s friends were concerned that the tragic loss of his son, who he credits for helping him get sober, would cause him to relapse harder than ever before. Instead, it gave him the strength to commit to his sobriety. (1, 2, 3)
He wrote two songs, Circus Left Town and Tears in Heaven, neither of which were meant to become public. Eric was encouraged to add the second of those to the soundtrack for the movie Rush. It was then included in his MTV Unplugged set, which was released as a live album later on. (1, 2, 3)
Clapton’s Other Children
Conor’s death encouraged Eric to reconnect with his daughter, Ruth Kelly Clapton, who was born the year before Conor from an affair with Yvonne Kelly, the manager of AIR Studios. It was Ruth that truly helped him through the grief of losing his son.
“Looking back on those years, I realize what a profound effect she had on my well-being…Her presence in my life was absolutely vital to my recovery. In her, I had again found something real to be concerned about, and that was instrumental in my becoming an active human being again.” (1, 2, 3)
In 2002, Eric married Melia McEnery. Together they have three daughters: Julie Rose, Ella May, and Sophie Belle. Ruth now has a child of her own, Eric’s grandson Isaac Erin Owen Bartlett. (1, 2, 3)


theheartysoul--2020-05-13--Fish recorded singing dawn chorus on reefs just like birds

Underwater is considered a silent place , the total opposite of The Little Mermaid , where fish and crabs sing about life “ Under the Sea.
” However , the Disney film might be a little closer to reality than we realize .
On land , nature is noisy .
A walk through a forest would entertain a person with numerous bird calls that come together like a chirping and hooting choir .
However , researchers have found that fish have a choir of their own .
This underwater music emits from soloist fish that repeat the same calls , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a different fish , they create a chorus .
“ Under the Sea , Under the Sea ” Robert McCauley and his colleagues at Curtin University in Perth , Australia , have studied this intriguing ‘ composition ’ as reported in the International Journal of Animal Sound and its Recording .
The research team has recorded species of vocal fish residing in the coastal waters near Port Hedland in Western Australia for about 18 months .
They found seven unique fish choruses that took place at dawn and dusk .
[ 1 ] @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were observed , associated with sunrise or sunset and in some cases , both , ” the study reports .
[ 2 ] In these recordings , a wide variety of sounds can be heard to form a “ song.
” For example , the black-spotted croaker ( Protonibea diacanthus ) makes a low “ foghorn ” call , and a species or Terapontid has a low grunting call , while the quieter batfish makes a “ ba-ba-ba ” call as the third chorus .
“ I ’ ve been listening to fish @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nearly 30 years now , and they still amaze me with their variety , ” says McCauley .
Read : Humpback whales have been organizing in huge numbers , and no one knows why Sound is a fundamental part of fish behaviors for their feeding needs , reproductions , and territorial fights .
Nocturnal predators use their calls to stick together as they hunt , while fish awake during the day use their calls to defend their territory .
Therefore , “ You get the dusk and dawn choruses as you would with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ says Steve Simpson , a marine biologist at the University of Exeter , UK .
Fish calls have a host of other benefits , such as helping baby crustaceans , corals , and other creatures find the reef where they will live since many species are born in open water and need to find their own home .
[ 3 ] A fish ’ s chorus can indicate a lot about it , including their location , their body size , the size of the group , their health status , and their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by a pair of sea-noise loggers .
One was positioned near the shore of Port Hedland , and the second was placed 21.5 kilometers away in waters further offshore .
“ This is a method that allows us to understand what ’ s happening at Port Hedland 24/7 for a year and a half , ” says Simpson .
“ I don ’ t know any scuba diver that can stay down there that long !
” Listening to these calls help scientists monitor fish behaviors and their ecosystems , especially those harder @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ We are only just beginning to appreciate the complexity involved and still have only a crude idea of what is going on in the undersea acoustic environment , ” says McCauley .
[ 4 ] Read : Dolphins appear to glow as they glide through bioluminescent waves Many species create sound by drumming their “ sonic muscle ” against their swim bladders .
Others use stridulation , a rubbing technique that ’ s very similar to how crickets make their iconic calls .
There ’ s also the hydrodynamic sound that occurs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
These recordings are working to understand reef ecosystems by studying the complex behavior of their inhabitants .
Several of the same researchers posted another study in the ICES Journal of Marine Science about the nine chorus types found near the coast of Darwin Harbor , Australia .
“ As we pick up more recording forms around Australia , we ’ ve been getting more and more data with choruses showing up throughout the day as well , ” writes researcher Miles Parsons .
“ We also have sites where some of these @ @ @ @ @ @ @ then disappear , only to come back the next season/migration/whatever the driving cycle is.
” Despite all of this research , our knowledge of fish choruses barely scratches the surface of the mysterious world of underwater life .
We can affirm that the sounds are a sign of a healthy and diverse ecosystem , even though it sounds alien to us , and these signs are vital with all of the threats against reef habitats today , such as pollution , ocean acidification , warming water , and ship traffic .
Fish choruses @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reefs and the lives they sustain .
[ 5 ] If you ’ re curious for a more precise meaning of vibrant fish choruses , perhaps give “ Under the Sea ” from The Little Mermaid a listen ( psst- that ’ s a joke , but I do really like that song ) .
Keep Reading : Extremely Rare Dwarf Kingfisher Fledgling Photographed for the Very First Time

Underwater is considered a silent place, the total opposite of The Little Mermaid, where fish and crabs sing about life “Under the Sea.” However, the Disney film might be a little closer to reality than we realize.
On land, nature is noisy. A walk through a forest would entertain a person with numerous bird calls that come together like a chirping and hooting choir. However, researchers have found that fish have a choir of their own. This underwater music emits from soloist fish that repeat the same calls, but when their calls overlap those of a different fish, they create a chorus.
“Under the Sea, Under the Sea”
Robert McCauley and his colleagues at Curtin University in Perth, Australia, have studied this intriguing ‘composition’ as reported in the International Journal of Animal Sound and its Recording. The research team has recorded species of vocal fish residing in the coastal waters near Port Hedland in Western Australia for about 18 months. They found seven unique fish choruses that took place at dawn and dusk. [1]
“Distinct diurnal patterns in the choruses were observed, associated with sunrise or sunset and in some cases, both,” the study reports. [2]
In these recordings, a wide variety of sounds can be heard to form a “song.” For example, the black-spotted croaker (Protonibea diacanthus) makes a low “foghorn” call, and a species or Terapontid has a low grunting call, while the quieter batfish makes a “ba-ba-ba” call as the third chorus.
“I’ve been listening to fish squawks, burble, and pops for nearly 30 years now, and they still amaze me with their variety,” says McCauley.
Read: Humpback whales have been organizing in huge numbers, and no one knows why
The Benefits of Fish Calls
Sound is a fundamental part of fish behaviors for their feeding needs, reproductions, and territorial fights. Nocturnal predators use their calls to stick together as they hunt, while fish awake during the day use their calls to defend their territory. Therefore, “You get the dusk and dawn choruses as you would with the birds in the forest,” says Steve Simpson, a marine biologist at the University of Exeter, UK.
Fish calls have a host of other benefits, such as helping baby crustaceans, corals, and other creatures find the reef where they will live since many species are born in open water and need to find their own home. [3]
A fish’s chorus can indicate a lot about it, including their location, their body size, the size of the group, their health status, and their behavioral patterns.
Listen to three choruses that were recorded
The recordings were made by a pair of sea-noise loggers. One was positioned near the shore of Port Hedland, and the second was placed 21.5 kilometers away in waters further offshore.
“This is a method that allows us to understand what’s happening at Port Hedland 24/7 for a year and a half,” says Simpson. “I don’t know any scuba diver that can stay down there that long!”
Listening to these calls help scientists monitor fish behaviors and their ecosystems, especially those harder to reach in low visibility waters.
“We are only just beginning to appreciate the complexity involved and still have only a crude idea of what is going on in the undersea acoustic environment,” says McCauley. [4]
Read: Dolphins appear to glow as they glide through bioluminescent waves
Different Types of Fish “Songs”
Many species create sound by drumming their “sonic muscle” against their swim bladders. Others use stridulation, a rubbing technique that’s very similar to how crickets make their iconic calls. There’s also the hydrodynamic sound that occurs when creatures change directions as they swim.
These recordings are working to understand reef ecosystems by studying the complex behavior of their inhabitants.
Several of the same researchers posted another study in the ICES Journal of Marine Science about the nine chorus types found near the coast of Darwin Harbor, Australia.
“As we pick up more recording forms around Australia, we’ve been getting more and more data with choruses showing up throughout the day as well,” writes researcher Miles Parsons. “We also have sites where some of these choruses appear for a short time and then disappear, only to come back the next season/migration/whatever the driving cycle is.”
Future Research into Fish Choruses
Despite all of this research, our knowledge of fish choruses barely scratches the surface of the mysterious world of underwater life. We can affirm that the sounds are a sign of a healthy and diverse ecosystem, even though it sounds alien to us, and these signs are vital with all of the threats against reef habitats today, such as pollution, ocean acidification, warming water, and ship traffic. Fish choruses can be the key to conserving the reefs and the lives they sustain. [5]
If you’re curious for a more precise meaning of vibrant fish choruses, perhaps give “Under the Sea” from The Little Mermaid a listen (psst- that’s a joke, but I do really like that song).
Keep Reading: Extremely Rare Dwarf Kingfisher Fledgling Photographed for the Very First Time
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