theheartysoul--2020-06-28--Eggshells in the Garden: 5 Ways They’ll Help You Grow Food

For a long time , eggs have been touted by nutritionists and dietitians as being an excellent addition to a healthy diet .
Have you considered using eggshells for plants ?
They ’ re high in protein , they provide omega-3 fatty acids , as well as a whole host of other nutrients [ 1 ] .
The benefits of this nutritious food , however , do not stop with the egg itself .
The eggshell contains large amounts of calcium , as well as some magnesium , phosphorus , and potassium , and while you may not be thinking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ although you can ) , adding them to your vegetable garden can provide many benefits to your plants .
Five Ways to Use Eggshells in Your Garden Eggshells are an inexpensive and effective way to improve your garden ’ s productivity , and a great way to cut down on kitchen waste .
While there is some debate as to how effective eggshells are , they generally won ’ t cause any harm to your garden , so there is very little downside to experimenting with them in your vegetable patch .
Read @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s Best Friend – Here Are 5 Nifty Uses The large quantity of calcium present in eggshells is very beneficial to your soil , especially if you ’ re growing tomato plants .
This is because calcium helps to moderate soil acidity [ 2 ] .
The best way to add eggshells to your soil is to grind them up into a fine powder , then add a small scoop to the individual planting holes when you ’ re planting your garden .
Grinding them up will help them to break down in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nutrients to your plants right away [ 3 ] .
You can also steep dried eggshells in water for a couple of days , then use the strained water for your plants for a quick nutrient boost [ 2 ] .
Read : How to Build Hugelkultur Beds and Why You Need Them Again , because of their large amount of calcium , eggshells can improve the mineral content of your compost [ 3 ] .
It is important to remember , however , that eggshells decompose very slowly , so if you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the shells you have to grind them into a very fine powder before adding them to your compost [ 4 ] .
Adding crushed egg shells to chicken or bird feed is a great way to improve the calcium content of their diets .
This is especially beneficial for chickens , who need calcium in order to lay eggs .
Eventually , those eggshells will make it into your garden in the form of chicken manure , so everyone benefits [ 3 ] .
Before you feed eggshells to your chickens , it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sterilize them , then crush them up into a fine powder [ 4 ] .
If you ’ re starting your plants from seed , egg shells can be useful as seed-starting pots .
All you have to do is carefully halve the shell , then fill each half with good potting soil and set them in an egg carton .
Once the seed has been planted in the shell , you care for them just as you would any other seed [ 3 ] .
Once it is time to plant your @ @ @ @ @ @ @ there is a small problem with this method .
Many claim that you can simply plant the egg shell pot directly into the ground , because the shell will decompose and provide nutrients to your growing plant .
This , unfortunately , is not necessarily true .
As previously mentioned , egg shells take a long time to break down , and so as the plant starts to grow there will not be enough room in the shell for its roots [ 4 ] .
To solve this problem , simply squeeze the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the soil .
This will allow the seedling to send roots out into the soil as it grows [ 3 ] .
Read : What Weeds Tell You About Your Soil This is perhaps the most highly-debated benefit of adding eggshells to your garden .
The idea here is that if you crush the eggshells slightly ( not into a fine powder ) and scatter them around your plants , the edges will be too sharp for slugs and snails to crawl over and therefore will deter them from attacking your veggies .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ method , and those who have found that this does not work at all .
If you have a problem with slugs in your garden , adding eggshells is a fairly low-risk method to try getting rid of them .
If it doesn ’ t work , all you ’ ve done is add some eggshells to your soil that will eventually break down and provide nutrients for your plants [ 3 ] .
How to Properly Store and Prepare Eggshells You will need a lot of eggshells if you want to provide @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shells equals one cup once they ’ re ground up ) , so you ’ ll want to start saving them early .
The best way to do this is to keep a container handy that you continue to add to over time as you cook with eggs .
It is important that you wash the shells , in order to get rid of any potential pathogens ( such as salmonella ) , which you don ’ t want making their way into your soil .
You also want the shells to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ garden or compost , and an easy way to help them dry out over time is keeping the shells in your fridge since the dry air in the fridge will help to get rid of any moisture on the shell [ 3 ] .
It is not necessary to pasteurize your eggshells before using them ( unless you ’ re feeding them to the birds ) , however many people choose to do so .
You can do this by baking them in the oven , or by boiling them .
If you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can keep that water and spray it on your plants , as it will contain some calcium from the shells [ 3 ] .
While there is some debate in the gardening world as to how effective eggshells are in your garden , when you properly they can provide some benefits .
Since they come at no extra cost to you , however , there is virtually no downside to adding them to your soil , garden water , or compost .

For a long time, eggs have been touted by nutritionists and dietitians as being an excellent addition to a healthy diet. Have you considered using eggshells for plants? They’re high in protein, they provide omega-3 fatty acids, as well as a whole host of other nutrients. And it turns out, eggshells in the garden can improve your yield at harvest time!
The benefits of this nutritious food, however, do not stop with the egg itself. The eggshell contains large amounts of calcium, as well as some magnesium, phosphorus, and potassium, and while you may not be thinking about including eggshells in your diet (although you can), adding them to your vegetable garden can provide many benefits to your plants.
Uses for eggshells in the garden
Eggshells are an inexpensive and effective way to improve your garden’s productivity, and a great way to cut down on kitchen waste.
While there is some debate as to how effective eggshells are, they generally won’t cause any harm to your garden, so there is very little downside to experimenting with them in your vegetable patch.
Read more: How To Raise Ducks For Eggs In Your Backyard
Eggshells can Improve your Soil
The large quantity of calcium present in eggshells is very beneficial to your soil, especially if you’re growing tomato plants. This is because calcium helps to moderate soil acidity.
The best way to add eggshells to your soil is to grind them up into a fine powder, then add a small scoop to the individual planting holes when you’re planting your garden. Grinding them up will help them to break down in the soil faster so they can provide nutrients to your plants right away.
You can also steep dried eggshells in water for a couple of days, then use the strained water for your plants for a quick nutrient boost.
Eggshells can Boost your Compost
Again, because of their large amount of calcium, eggshells can improve the mineral content of your compost.
It is important to remember, however, that eggshells decompose very slowly, so if you truly want to get the benefits of the shells you have to grind them into a very fine powder before adding them to your compost.
Eggshells Make Great Chicken and Bird Feed
Adding crushed egg shells to chicken or bird feed is a great way to improve the calcium content of their diets. This is especially beneficial for chickens, who need calcium in order to lay eggs. Eventually, those eggshells will make it into your garden in the form of chicken manure, so everyone benefits.
Before you feed eggshells to your chickens, it is important to bake them first to sterilize them, then crush them up into a fine powder.
Read more: How To Raise Quail For Eggs, Meat, And More
Eggshells can Work as Seed-Starting Pots
If you’re starting your plants from seed, egg shells can be useful as seed-starting pots. All you have to do is carefully halve the shell, then fill each half with good potting soil and set them in an egg carton. Once the seed has been planted in the shell, you care for them just as you would any other seed.
Once it is time to plant your seed in the garden, however, there is a small problem with this method. Many claim that you can simply plant the egg shell pot directly into the ground, because the shell will decompose and provide nutrients to your growing plant.
This, unfortunately, is not necessarily true. As previously mentioned, egg shells take a long time to break down, and so as the plant starts to grow there will not be enough room in the shell for its roots.
To solve this problem, simply squeeze the shell until it cracks before planting in the soil. This will allow the seedling to send roots out into the soil as it grows.
Eggshells can Deter Slugs and Snails
This is perhaps the most highly-debated benefit of adding eggshells to your garden. The idea here is that if you crush the eggshells slightly (not into a fine powder) and scatter them around your plants, the edges will be too sharp for slugs and snails to crawl over and therefore will deter them from attacking your veggies.
There are those who swear by this method, and those who have found that this does not work at all. If you have a problem with slugs in your garden, adding eggshells is a fairly low-risk method to try getting rid of them. If it doesn’t work, all you’ve done is add some eggshells to your soil that will eventually break down and provide nutrients for your plants.
How to Properly Store and Prepare Eggshells
You will need a lot of eggshells if you want to provide benefit to your garden (about 150 shells equals one cup once they’re ground up), so you’ll want to start saving them early. The best way to do this is to keep a container handy that you continue to add to over time as you cook with eggs.
It is important that you wash the shells, in order to get rid of any potential pathogens (such as salmonella), which you don’t want making their way into your soil.
You also want the shells to be dry when you add them to your garden or compost, and an easy way to help them dry out over time is keeping the shells in your fridge since the dry air in the fridge will help to get rid of any moisture on the shell.
It is not necessary to pasteurize your eggshells before using them (unless you’re feeding them to the birds), however many people choose to do so. You can do this by baking them in the oven, or by boiling them. If you choose to boil the shells, you can keep that water and spray it on your plants, as it will contain some calcium from the shells.
Low Cost, High Reward
While there is some debate in the gardening world as to how effective eggshells are in your garden, when you properly they can provide some benefits. Since they come at no extra cost to you, however, there is virtually no downside to adding them to your soil, garden water, or compost.
Read: Duck eggs vs chicken eggs: which is better?


theheartysoul--2020-06-30--Couple Builds A Mini Pub In A Garden, Stuns People With Its Handmade Interior

Whether it ’ s because our favorite bars and pubs have been closed due to the COVID-19 outbreak , or even if it ’ s just because you ’ re tired of paying so much money for a pint of beer , you ’ ve probably at one point thought : Wouldn ’ t it be nice to have a mini pub right here in my backyard ?
This couple thought the same thing , and they followed through with a mini pub right in their back garden .
The Mini Pub that Feels Just Like the Real Thing The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ favorite neighborhood pub when they had the idea to construct one in their backyard .
After a consultation with Amy of Octavia Chic , a design company , the plans were set in place .
After about three weeks , Amy , with the help of her husband , had completed The Drunken Crab , the Crabtree family ’ s very own mini garden pub .
Though the exterior is beautiful , complete with a sign and everything , it ’ s the inside that is jaw-dropping .
Walking in , you feel @ @ @ @ @ @ @ British pub .
It ’ s got a corner booth with old pictures and alcohol ads adorning the walls .
It has another small table on the opposite side of the room , and the bar is tucked into the corner .
They have a couple of beers on tap with glassware hanging above and liquor bottles lining the shelves .
To top it off , they ’ ve got a dartboard and scoreboard to keep things lively .
The best part about this garden pub ?
Drinks are cheap and the walk @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Check out all of the amazing photos below .
Keep Reading : Wife Builds Pub In Back Garden To Stop Husband Sneaking Off For A Pint

Whether it’s because our favorite bars and pubs have been closed due to the COVID-19 outbreak, or even if it’s just because you’re tired of paying so much money for a pint of beer, you’ve probably at one point thought: Wouldn’t it be nice to have a mini pub right here in my backyard?
This couple thought the same thing, and they followed through with a mini pub right in their back garden.
The Mini Pub that Feels Just Like the Real Thing
The Crabtree family was missing visits to their favorite neighborhood pub when they had the idea to construct one in their backyard. After a consultation with Amy of Octavia Chic, a design company, the plans were set in place.
Image credit: Octavio Chic
After about three weeks, Amy, with the help of her husband, had completed The Drunken Crab, the Crabtree family’s very own mini garden pub.
Though the exterior is beautiful, complete with a sign and everything, it’s the inside that is jaw-dropping. Walking in, you feel just like you are in a classic British pub. It’s got a corner booth with old pictures and alcohol ads adorning the walls. It has another small table on the opposite side of the room, and the bar is tucked into the corner. They have a couple of beers on tap with glassware hanging above and liquor bottles lining the shelves. To top it off, they’ve got a dartboard and scoreboard to keep things lively.
The best part about this garden pub? Drinks are cheap and the walk home is just a few steps.
Check out all of the amazing photos below.
Image credit: Octavio Chic
Image credit: Octavio Chic
Image credit: Octavio Chic
Image credit: Octavio Chic
Image credit: Octavio Chic
Image credit: Octavio Chic
Image credit: Octavio Chic
Cheers!
Keep Reading: Wife Builds Pub In Back Garden To Stop Husband Sneaking Off For A Pint
https://www.boredpanda.com/the-drunken-crab-garden-pub-octavia-chic/


theheartysoul--2020-06-30--Science Say People Who Swear A Lot Actually Make Better Friends

Finding the right world to accurately express our emotions , particularly when we ’ re angry , frustrated , or stressed , can be difficult .
In these instances , swearing can be very helpful with effectively getting our point across , or releasing some pent-up emotion .
Most of us are taught from a young age that we should not swear , as many curse words are deemed offensive or inappropriate .
Science , however , says that people who swear might be more intelligent , and possibly make better friends .
Although profanity has long been associated with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from the Maastricht University in Netherlands , the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology , and Stanford and the University of Cambridge determined that people who swear are less likely to be associated with lying and deception [ 1 ] .
Because swearing is often used to express unfiltered feelings and sincerity , those who swear often come across , at least , as more honest and genuine .
Dr David Stillwell , a lecturer in Big Data Analytics at the University of Cambridge , and a co-author on the paper , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ profanity is somewhat complex .
The study was conducted in two parts .
The first involved a questionnaire in which 276 participants were asked to write down their favorite swear words , and indicate the ones they use the most .
They were asked to rate their reasons for using these words and then took a lie detector test to see if they were telling the truth , or if they had just written down what they deemed to be acceptable .
The participants who wrote down more swear words were less likely @ @ @ @ @ @ @ part of the study , researchers collected data from 75 thousand Facebook users and measured their use of profanity during online social interactions .
They found that those who used swear words more often were more likely to use pronouns like “ I ” or “ me ” , which are language patterns that are associated with honesty [ 1 ] .
Honesty is a trait that most people look for in a friend , so if people who wear more tend to be more honest , they likely make better friends as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Intelligent Women Are More Likely to Swear People Who Swear are Possibly More Intelligent The use of obscene language is often seen as a sign that the speaker does not have the vocabulary to adequately express themselves , and can be associated with lower intelligence .
Science , however , is saying the opposite .
People choose to swear for different reasons- for linguistic effect , to convey emotion , for laughs , and sometimes to be intentionally mean .
Psychologists have found that people who are able to come up with a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a higher level of verbal fluency , aka , they have stronger language skills [ 2 ] .
This demonstrates that individuals who are more articulate in their speech have a better understanding of how to use swear words in order to communicate more effectively .
Swearing can be Good for You A study published in Neuroreport found that swearing may be an effective means of relieving pain .
Psychologists had participants immerse their hands in cold water and keep them there as long as possible .
While they held their hands under @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the choice to repeat a swear word of their choosing or chose a “ neutral ” word .
The volunteers were able to keep their hand under the water for an average of 47 seconds longer while swearing , and reported feeling less pain compared to when they chanted a non-expletive [ 3 ] .
Richard Stephens , a psychologist at Keele University in England and leader of the study , advises people to swear if they hurt themselves .
How swearing helps to alleviate pain , however , is less clear .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the part of our brains that incite the fight-or-flight response , in which our heart rate climbs and we become less sensitive to pain .
Swearing can also help to alleviate emotional pain , and make us less likely to act out physically .
The catch , however , is that as we swear more , our words begin to lose their emotional potency .
Once the emotion is taken out of the word , it no longer has the same soothing effect , so we must choose our words wisely [ 3 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Says Friendship Is More Important Than Romance in a Marriage The Effect of Swearing Depends on your Experience The emotional impact of swearing changes from person to person , depending on their own experience and upon the context in which the word was used .
How appropriate swearing is depends on several factors including the relationship between the speaker and the listener , the social-physical context , and of course which word was used .
In their study “ The Pragmatics of Swearing ” , Timothy Jay and Kristin Janschewitz had native English-speaking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ offensiveness of swear words and the likelihood of hypothetical scenarios involving these words .
For native speakers , offensiveness was dependent on age , while for non-native speakers , it depended on their experience with the English language .
Their data demonstrated that understanding where , when , and with whom swear words are appropriate takes time for people to learn [ 4 ] .
All of this research is concluding that swearing is actually a highly essential part of speech that helps us to understand the link between what we say and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ other factors that determine how intelligent , happy , healthy , or calm someone is , but it appears that those who let out their frustration with an expletive more often tend to have a higher command of language and are less likely to resort to violence when they become angry or frustrated .
Of course , there are still many contexts and situations in which swearing is highly inappropriate , but if you are someone who tends to curse a little more than most , you may actually be better off for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Keep Reading : How a Lack of Alone Time Affects the Mental Health of Moms

Finding the right world to accurately express our emotions, particularly when we’re angry, frustrated, or stressed, can be difficult. In these instances, swearing can be very helpful with effectively getting our point across, or releasing some pent-up emotion.
Most of us are taught from a young age that we should not swear, as many curse words are deemed offensive or inappropriate. Science, however, says that people who swear might be more intelligent, and possibly make better friends.
People Who Swear Make Better Friends
Although profanity has long been associated with anger and coarseness, a collaborative team from the Maastricht University in Netherlands, the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, and Stanford and the University of Cambridge determined that people who swear are less likely to be associated with lying and deception [1].
Because swearing is often used to express unfiltered feelings and sincerity, those who swear often come across, at least, as more honest and genuine. Dr David Stillwell, a lecturer in Big Data Analytics at the University of Cambridge, and a co-author on the paper, explains that the relationship between dishonesty and profanity is somewhat complex.
“Swearing is often inappropriate but it can also be evidence that someone is telling you their honest opinion,” he says. “Just as they aren’t filtering their language to be more palatable, they’re also not filtering their views. “ [1]
The study was conducted in two parts. The first involved a questionnaire in which 276 participants were asked to write down their favorite swear words, and indicate the ones they use the most. They were asked to rate their reasons for using these words and then took a lie detector test to see if they were telling the truth, or if they had just written down what they deemed to be acceptable.
The participants who wrote down more swear words were less likely to be lying.
For the second part of the study, researchers collected data from 75 thousand Facebook users and measured their use of profanity during online social interactions. They found that those who used swear words more often were more likely to use pronouns like “I” or “me”, which are language patterns that are associated with honesty [1].
Honesty is a trait that most people look for in a friend, so if people who wear more tend to be more honest, they likely make better friends as well.
People Who Swear are Possibly More Intelligent
The use of obscene language is often seen as a sign that the speaker does not have the vocabulary to adequately express themselves, and can be associated with lower intelligence. Science, however, is saying the opposite.
People choose to swear for different reasons- for linguistic effect, to convey emotion, for laughs, and sometimes to be intentionally mean. Psychologists have found that people who are able to come up with a greater variety of swear words also have a higher level of verbal fluency, aka, they have stronger language skills [2].
This demonstrates that individuals who are more articulate in their speech have a better understanding of how to use swear words in order to communicate more effectively.
Swearing can be Good for You
A study published in Neuroreport found that swearing may be an effective means of relieving pain.
Psychologists had participants immerse their hands in cold water and keep them there as long as possible. While they held their hands under the icy water, they were given the choice to repeat a swear word of their choosing or chose a “neutral” word.
The volunteers were able to keep their hand under the water for an average of 47 seconds longer while swearing, and reported feeling less pain compared to when they chanted a non-expletive [3].
Richard Stephens, a psychologist at Keele University in England and leader of the study, advises people to swear if they hurt themselves.
“Swearing is such a common response to pain that there has to be an underlying reason why we do it,” he explained [3].
How swearing helps to alleviate pain, however, is less clear. It could be that swearing actually activates the part of our brains that incite the fight-or-flight response, in which our heart rate climbs and we become less sensitive to pain.
Swearing can also help to alleviate emotional pain, and make us less likely to act out physically. The catch, however, is that as we swear more, our words begin to lose their emotional potency. Once the emotion is taken out of the word, it no longer has the same soothing effect, so we must choose our words wisely [3].
The Effect of Swearing Depends on your Experience
The emotional impact of swearing changes from person to person, depending on their own experience and upon the context in which the word was used. How appropriate swearing is depends on several factors including the relationship between the speaker and the listener, the social-physical context, and of course which word was used.
In their study “The Pragmatics of Swearing”, Timothy Jay and Kristin Janschewitz had native English-speaking and non-native English-speaking college students rate the offensiveness of swear words and the likelihood of hypothetical scenarios involving these words.
For native speakers, offensiveness was dependent on age, while for non-native speakers, it depended on their experience with the English language. Their data demonstrated that understanding where, when, and with whom swear words are appropriate takes time for people to learn [4].
Swearing isn’t All Bad
All of this research is concluding that swearing is actually a highly essential part of speech that helps us to understand the link between what we say and how we behave.
There are many other factors that determine how intelligent, happy, healthy, or calm someone is, but it appears that those who let out their frustration with an expletive more often tend to have a higher command of language and are less likely to resort to violence when they become angry or frustrated.
Of course, there are still many contexts and situations in which swearing is highly inappropriate, but if you are someone who tends to curse a little more than most, you may actually be better off for it, and a better friend too.
Keep Reading: Expert Says Teaching Swear Words To Your Kid Is Actually A Good Thing
Sources


theheartysoul--2020-06-30--People Are Turning Home Depot Tuff Sheds Into Affordable Two-Story Tiny Homes

Have you ever looked at a shed and thought “ Hmm… if done the right away , that could actually make a great little home.
” ?
Well , you are in luck : in the area of prefab tiny homes , a tuff shed tiny home could be in your future .
Home Depot ’ s Tuff Shed TR-1600 is the perfect shed to convert into a full-time home .
The best part about them ?
They cost just $ 13,000 to $ 24,000 , depending on the size .
That ’ s a whole lot cheaper than a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ?
Here are the stats : • 8-foot high walls on the first floor • Boxed eaves on all the walls Read : This Adventure-Ready Tiny House Has a Mud Room and Fold-Down Deck Make it Your Own Each shed is customizable .
You can get different amounts and sizes of windows and shutters , window boxes , a ridge vent , and custom sidewall porch upgrades .
The interior is also entirely up to you .
You decide on the number of bedrooms and bathrooms , how open or closed concept you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ style , colors , and overall look of the place .
These sheds are done so well that looking at them you ’ d hardly know it was a shed .
Even if full-time living in a small space such as this isn ’ t something you want to do , they could easily be used as a vacation home or cottage , a guest house right on your own property , even a separate space for , say , adult children who are home in summers between school semesters or who are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ require more work than simply purchasing a new home , they are definitely worth the effort .
If you want a real-life testimonial , check out Beth and Barry Smith ’ s experience preparing their Tuff Shed Tiny Home to downsize their life .
There are plenty of options for converting a Tuff Shed into a home .
Check out Home Depot ’ s Tuff Shed website for more testimonials , products , options , and contact information to make your tuff shed tiny home dreams a reality .
Keep Reading : Eco-Friendly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ $ 14K

Have you ever looked at a shed and thought “Hmm… if done the right away, that could actually make a great little home.”? Well, you are in luck: in the area of prefab tiny homes, a tuff shed tiny home could be in your future.
Home Depot Tuff Shed Tiny Homes
Home Depot’s Tuff Shed TR-1600 is the perfect shed to convert into a full-time home. The best part about them? They cost just $13,000 to $24,000, depending on the size. That’s a whole lot cheaper than a regular home or cottage!
Not convinced? Here are the stats:
8-foot high walls on the first floor
Full second floor
36-inch stairs with a full banister
3 by 7-foot entry door with a lock
Boxed eaves on all the walls
Turning A Shed Into A Tiny Home
Each shed is customizable. You can get different amounts and sizes of windows and shutters, window boxes, a ridge vent, and custom sidewall porch upgrades.
The interior is also entirely up to you. You decide on the number of bedrooms and bathrooms, how open or closed concept you want the space to be, the style, colors, and overall look of the place. These sheds are done so well that looking at them you’d hardly know it was a shed.
Facebook | Samantha Nichole Eckelbarger
Even if full-time living in a small space such as this isn’t something you want to do, they could easily be used as a vacation home or cottage, a guest house right on your own property, even a separate space for, say, adult children who are home in summers between school semesters or who are saving money post-graduation.
Tuff Shed
Read: You Can Get These Arched Tiny Home Kits For As Little As $1,300
Though it may require more work than simply purchasing a new home, they are definitely worth the effort. If you want a real-life testimonial, check out Beth and Barry Smith’s experience preparing their Tuff Shed Tiny Home to downsize their life. There are plenty of options for converting a Tuff Shed into a home. Check out Home Depot’s Tuff Shed website for more testimonials, products, options, and contact information to make your tiny home dreams a reality.
The Cape Cod. Image Credit: TuffSheds
Keep Reading: This Family Of 4 Built A Tiny Home Village – One Home For Each Family Member
Sources


theheartysoul--2020-06-29--How a Lack of Alone Time Affects the Mental Health of Moms

A 2018 study found that the average parent gets a mere 32 minutes of alone time every day [ 1 ] .
If you are a parent , this lack of time to yourself can cause a high level of stress and can lead to not only mental and physical health problems , but it can negatively impact your ability to parent and eventually end up in burnout [ 2 ] .
This is particularly true for mothers , who typically get less alone time than fathers on a daily and weekly basis [ 3 ] .
Research over the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ time is essential for mothers ( and fathers ) in order for them to recharge , and to ensure that they are the best parents they can be .
Why Mothers Need Alone Time Licensed therapist Emma Bennett says that moms who don ’ t get sufficient amounts of alone time are more likely to suffer from parental burnout [ 4 ] .
This type of burnout can have serious consequences for both the parents and the children and can make parents feel detached from their kids and uncertain of their parenting abilities @ @ @ @ @ @ @ increasing parental neglect , harm , and thoughts of escape [ 5 ] .
The consequences of a lack of alone time can also manifest themselves physically , and can cause headaches , backaches , sleep disturbance , weight gain , greater susceptibility to illness , heart problems , and overall poorer health [ 2 ] .
Parents who fail to take care of their own needs , as mentioned , also tend to use poorer parenting practices , exhibit less patience , and experience less satisfaction and joy in their roles as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are more likely to turn to extreme measures to discipline their children , putting their children more at risk for child abuse [ 2 ] .
Read : Dad Who Grew Up Without A Father Starts Basic Skills YouTube Channel Not only do mothers need more alone time , but they also need plenty of emotional and physical support from spouses , friends , and family members .
When they are unable to manage the mental , physical , and emotional toll that motherhood places on them , they are more likely to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ PMADS ) [ 4 ] .
According to UNC School of Medicine ’ s Center for Women ’ s Mood Disorders , women who have inadequate support from family or friends are more likely to experience depression during or after pregnancy .
Symptoms of peri or post-natal depression include : • Feeling worthless or guilty , especially about not being a good mother • Strong anxiety , tension , and/or fear either about your future child or other things • Sleep problems ( not being able to sleep despite feeling very tired or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rested ) • Thoughts of wanting to be dead or wanting to kill yourself • Loss of or increase in appetite or weight Psychotherapist Erica Djossa says that for mothers , alone time is less about being indulgent and more about a need for support- wanting alone time means they want a break .
Without a good support system , however , it is difficult for mothers , who tend to shoulder a greater percentage of the parenting responsibilities , to find time for themselves .
Djossa says that mothers who don ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ feel both isolated and burnt out at the same time , and the only remedy for this is ramping up their support system .
Read : Dear Dads , Take More Pictures Of Mom And Her Kids How to Get More Alone Time Alone time could simply be watching a show by yourself that no one else wants to watch , taking a bath , or reading a book .
Alone time is not just about being by yourself , but it ’ s about spending time doing something that nourishes you and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ says Djossa , means that one day you may want to watch a show by yourself , but the next you may want to talk to your partner or a friend .
She emphasises that whatever “ alone time ” looks like , you should always be prioritizing what you need in that moment [ 4 ] .
Djossa and Bennett also recognize that for many mothers , particularly first-time moms , leaving their child with someone else can be nerve-racking and stressful in and of itself .
For this reason , it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they trust and set clear boundaries with them .
Moms also , however , have to accept that other people won ’ t care for their child in the exact same way .
Bennet suggests that worried mothers gradually take time out for themselves in tolerable increments .
This could mean leaving your child alone with grandma for as little as five minutes in the beginning and increasing from there .
If you are a mother who is trying to incorporate more alone time into your day , consider following these helpful steps @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you want alone time , you have to take the lead and commit to doing it , no one else can do that for you .
• Gather support .
This won ’ t happen alone , so make sure you get your spouse or co-parent on board , get your friends and family onboard , and get your kids on board , too .
This means you have to ask for help from those who are close to you .
When it comes to your kids when they are little be sure @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for yourself .
As they get older , talk to them about your need for alone time and help them to understand and respect that need [ 7 ] .
Although it can feel selfish or self-indulgent , taking a break from the demands of caring for a family will ultimately make you a better parent and partner .
Whatever self-care looks like for you , whether that ’ s going for a coffee with a friend , reading a good book , or listening to your favourite album while you take a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mothers .
The next time you ’ re debating whether or not you should take some alone time , be kind to yourself and do it .
Regular alone time will prevent burnout and make you a happier , healthier mom .

A 2018 study found that the average parent gets a mere 32 minutes of alone time every day [1]. If you are a parent, this lack of time to yourself can cause a high level of stress and can lead to not only mental and physical health problems, but it can negatively impact your ability to parent and eventually end up in burnout [2].
This is particularly true for mothers, who typically get less alone time than fathers on a daily and weekly basis [3]. Research over the last several years has shown that alone time is essential for mothers (and fathers) in order for them to recharge, and to ensure that they are the best parents they can be.
Why Mothers Need Alone Time
Licensed therapist Emma Bennett says that moms who don’t get sufficient amounts of alone time are more likely to suffer from parental burnout [4].
This type of burnout can have serious consequences for both the parents and the children and can make parents feel detached from their kids and uncertain of their parenting abilities. This can cause worse issues including increasing parental neglect, harm, and thoughts of escape [5].
“I consider [alone time] a necessity, not an indulgence,” says Bennett [4].
The consequences of a lack of alone time can also manifest themselves physically, and can cause headaches, backaches, sleep disturbance, weight gain, greater susceptibility to illness, heart problems, and overall poorer health [2].
Parents who fail to take care of their own needs, as mentioned, also tend to use poorer parenting practices, exhibit less patience, and experience less satisfaction and joy in their roles as parents. When this happens, they are more likely to turn to extreme measures to discipline their children, putting their children more at risk for child abuse [2].
Read: Dad Who Grew Up Without A Father Starts Basic Skills YouTube Channel
Mothers Need Support
Not only do mothers need more alone time, but they also need plenty of emotional and physical support from spouses, friends, and family members. When they are unable to manage the mental, physical, and emotional toll that motherhood places on them, they are more likely to experience perinatal mood and anxiety disorders (PMADS) [4].
According to UNC School of Medicine’s Center for Women’s Mood Disorders, women who have inadequate support from family or friends are more likely to experience depression during or after pregnancy. Symptoms of peri or post-natal depression include:
Feeling sad, depressed, and/or crying a lot
Diminished interest in becoming a mother
Feeling worthless or guilty, especially about not being a good mother
Strong anxiety, tension, and/or fear either about your future child or other things
Sleep problems (not being able to sleep despite feeling very tired or sleeping more than usual but not feeling rested)
Thoughts of wanting to be dead or wanting to kill yourself
Having low energy
Loss of or increase in appetite or weight
Trouble focusing, remembering things, or making decisions
Feeling restless or irritable
Having headaches, chest pains, heart palpitations, numbness, or hyperventilation [6]
Psychotherapist Erica Djossa says that for mothers, alone time is less about being indulgent and more about a need for support- wanting alone time means they want a break. Without a good support system, however, it is difficult for mothers, who tend to shoulder a greater percentage of the parenting responsibilities, to find time for themselves.
Djossa says that mothers who don’t have these connections and supports may feel both isolated and burnt out at the same time, and the only remedy for this is ramping up their support system.
“They need help,” she says. “They are tired of being touched by tiny hands. They need a breather. But I think that this breather looks different for different moms.” [4]
Read: Dear Dads, Take More Pictures Of Mom And Her Kids
How to Get More Alone Time
Alone time could simply be watching a show by yourself that no one else wants to watch, taking a bath, or reading a book. Alone time is not just about being by yourself, but it’s about spending time doing something that nourishes you and helps you to recharge.
“The goal isn’t to have rigid rules or expectations, but to be able to identify what your needs are on any given day and make sure they get met,” Djossa says [4].
This, says Djossa, means that one day you may want to watch a show by yourself, but the next you may want to talk to your partner or a friend. She emphasises that whatever “alone time” looks like, you should always be prioritizing what you need in that moment [4].
Djossa and Bennett also recognize that for many mothers, particularly first-time moms, leaving their child with someone else can be nerve-racking and stressful in and of itself. For this reason, it is important for moms to establish caregivers they trust and set clear boundaries with them. Moms also, however, have to accept that other people won’t care for their child in the exact same way.
“Giving our children the opportunity to build other loving attachments to additional caregivers can be a good experience for children,” Bennett says. “It is OK to accept those feelings of nervousness and also try to work with them so you can have some separation.” [4]
Bennet suggests that worried mothers gradually take time out for themselves in tolerable increments. This could mean leaving your child alone with grandma for as little as five minutes in the beginning and increasing from there.
“If your anxiety is debilitating, seeing a therapist to support you may be helpful,” says Djossa [4].
If you are a mother who is trying to incorporate more alone time into your day, consider following these helpful steps:
Prioritize and commit. If you want alone time, you have to take the lead and commit to doing it, no one else can do that for you. Gather support. This won’t happen alone, so make sure you get your spouse or co-parent on board, get your friends and family onboard, and get your kids on board, too. This means you have to ask for help from those who are close to you. When it comes to your kids when they are little be sure to use nap times as alone time for yourself. As they get older, talk to them about your need for alone time and help them to understand and respect that need [7].
You Deserve a Break
Although it can feel selfish or self-indulgent, taking a break from the demands of caring for a family will ultimately make you a better parent and partner. Whatever self-care looks like for you, whether that’s going for a coffee with a friend, reading a good book, or listening to your favourite album while you take a shower, alone time is crucial for mothers.
The next time you’re debating whether or not you should take some alone time, be kind to yourself and do it. Regular alone time will prevent burnout and make you a happier, healthier mom.
Keep Reading: Strong Mothers Raise Strong Daughters


theheartysoul--2020-06-29--The Game-Changing Hack for Removing the White Tendons From Chicken Breasts We All Need To Know

Cooking at home more often instead of eating out or ordering in is a resolution or goal that many of us set for ourselves but struggle to fall through on .
We buy things like boneless , skinless chicken breast in an attempt to make it easier , but there ’ s still that annoying tendon running through each piece .
Well , thanks to this woman ’ s TikTok video showing an incredibly fast and easy tendon-removing chicken tip , you can spend less time struggling with a knife and more time enjoying your meal .
When Mandy Klentz @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out of a chicken breast using just a fork and a paper towel , she knew she had to share it with the world .
She posted the video on her TikTok , which has now been viewed more than 4 million times .
This trick is so easy , it ’ s a wonder how none of us have been taught it before .
A total dinner time game changer , all you need is a fork and something to help you grip the tendon .
The steps are as follows : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the fork , making sure it ’ s all the way in .
• Using the paper towel for grip , grab the end of the tendon between your fingers .
• Use the fork to push down on the chicken breast and watch as the tendon easily pulls away from the meat .
Thanks to Mandy , now none of us have to spend an extra 10 to 15 minutes struggling with a knife to cut out that annoying little tendon .
Read : The Shelf Life of 32 Foods in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ got your tendon removed , you have to cook the breasts .
Chicken breasts are known for being pretty bland and are often accused of being too dry .
Check out this method from thekitchn.com for a fool-proof way to have juicy , flavourful chicken breasts every single time : • Flatten : Using a wide-bottomed jar or glass , flatten your chicken breasts so they are an even thickness throughout .
• Season : Season both sides lightly with salt and pepper .
• Heat : Heat a frying pan large enough @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
When the pan is hot , add oil or butter to coat the bottom of the pan .
• Cook : Turn the pan down to medium heat and add your chicken breasts .
Cook for one minute so that they are lightly golden on one side .
• Flip : Using tongs ( not a fork – you don ’ t want to puncture them ! )
flip each breast over .
• Reduce : Turn the heat down to low .
• Cover : Put a tight-fitting lid over the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ undisturbed .
Don ’ t lift the lid to check on them , not even once .
• Heat off : When the 10 minutes are up , turn off the heat without removing the lid .
Again , no peeking !
If you have an electric stove , remove it from the burner .
Set the timer again for 10 minutes and leave the chicken alone .
• Remove : After the second 10 minutes , remove the lid and use a meat thermometer to ensure the breasts are cooked through .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ tips on seasoning and flavoring the breasts , check out their blog posts here .
Keep Reading : 20 Secret Kitchen Hacks Which Only Chefs Know

The Game-Changing Hack for Removing the White Tendons From Chicken Breasts We All Need To Know
Cooking at home more often instead of eating out or ordering in is a resolution or goal that many of us set for ourselves but struggle to fall through on. We buy things like boneless, skinless chicken breast in an attempt to make it easier, but there’s still that annoying tendon running through each piece. Well, thanks to this woman’s TikTok video showing an incredibly fast and easy tendon-removing chicken tip, you can spend less time struggling with a knife and more time enjoying your meal.
Amazing Chicken Tips for Removing the White Tendon
When Mandy Klentz learned how to remove the white tendon out of a chicken breast using just a fork and a paper towel, she knew she had to share it with the world. She posted the video on her TikTok, which has now been viewed more than 4 million times.
This trick is so easy, it’s a wonder how none of us have been taught it before. A total dinner time game changer, all you need is a fork and something to help you grip the tendon. The steps are as follows:
Position the tendon between two prongs of the fork, making sure it’s all the way in. Using the paper towel for grip, grab the end of the tendon between your fingers. Use the fork to push down on the chicken breast and watch as the tendon easily pulls away from the meat.
Thanks to Mandy, now none of us have to spend an extra 10 to 15 minutes struggling with a knife to cut out that annoying little tendon.
More Chicken Tips
Now that you’ve got your tendon removed, you have to cook the breasts. Chicken breasts are known for being pretty bland and are often accused of being too dry.
Flatten: Using a wide-bottomed jar or glass, flatten your chicken breasts so they are an even thickness throughout. Season: Season both sides lightly with salt and pepper. Heat: Heat a frying pan large enough to fit each breast over medium-high heat. When the pan is hot, add oil or butter to coat the bottom of the pan. Cook: Turn the pan down to medium heat and add your chicken breasts. Cook for one minute so that they are lightly golden on one side. Flip: Using tongs (not a fork – you don’t want to puncture them!) flip each breast over. Reduce: Turn the heat down to low. Cover: Put a tight-fitting lid over the pan and cook for 10 minutes completely undisturbed. Don’t lift the lid to check on them, not even once. Heat off: When the 10 minutes are up, turn off the heat without removing the lid. Again, no peeking! If you have an electric stove, remove it from the burner. Set the timer again for 10 minutes and leave the chicken alone. Remove: After the second 10 minutes, remove the lid and use a meat thermometer to ensure the breasts are cooked through. Slice, and enjoy!
Bon appetit!


theheartysoul--2020-06-29--Want to double world food production? Return the land to small farmers.

By the year 2050 , the world ’ s population is expected to reach nearly ten billion .
This means that in that time , global food production must increase by fifty percent [ 1 ] .
Could small farms offer a potential solution ?
Large-scale agricultural production is often purported as the solution to feeding the world , however bringing more land under agricultural production will not solve the problem of global hunger [ 2 ] .
In fact , over the last few decades it has become increasingly clear that modern industrial agriculture is not a cost-effective , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the world , and as the concentration of farmland has been put in the hands of fewer and fewer players , world hunger has only increased [ 3 ] .
Small farms , on the other hand , are often more productive and have less of a negative impact on the environment when compared to large industrial farms .
These smaller operations , however , are disappearing as they get pushed out by corporate farms .
As the world ’ s population continues to grow , finding ways to sustainably feed everyone across @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bigger issue , and small farms may be the solution .
There is confusion over what is considered a “ small ” or “ family-owned ” farm .
The United Nations ( UN ) Food and Agricultural Organization ( FAO ) loosely defines a family-owned farm as any farm that is managed by an individual or household .
They admit , however , that there is no precise definition , and that definition varies depending on the country .
Because of this , in 2014 the FAO released a report that said family @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the world ’ s farmland , and produce 80 percent of the world ’ s food .
On the ground , however , it is clear that this is not the case [ 4 ] .
In fact , an in-depth survey conducted by GRAIN determined that small farmers hold just 24 percent of the world ’ s farmland [ 5 ] .
So where is the discrepancy happening ?
The answer goes back to the very rough definition of what is a family farm , which includes a massive industrial soya bean @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by a family in Buenos Aires- and that ’ s just one example [ 4 ] .
The Plight of the Small Farmer In countries around the world , from Honduras to Kenya to Palestine to the Philippines , people are being dislodged from their farms so that their land can be used for industrial farmland to grow crops like soya bean , oil palm , rapeseed , and sugarcane [ 5 ] .
Over the last five decades , 140 million hectares of farmland have been taken over by those four crops @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but instead are grown for the agro-industrial complex , which relies heavily on fertilizers and pesticides [ 4,6 ] .
Small farms have been getting even smaller over time because of a variety of factors including land concentration , population pressure , and lack of access to land .
Small farms have been shrinking , in some place by as much as 50 percent , and today the average size of a small farm is a mere 2.2 hectares .
These tiny plots make up 90 percent of all farms worldwide [ 5 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , are more productive per-hectare than large scale industrial operations , and experts believe that they are the solution to feeding our growing population .
This is because small farms prioritize production , and focus on feeding their own families , and on local and national markets .
One UN study determined that if small producers and agro-ecological farming methods were adequately supported , global food production could double within ten years while mitigating climate change and alleviating rural poverty [ 7 ] .
If the large-scale operations matched the per-hectare yields of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ country ’ s agricultural output would double .
In Central America , it would triple , and Russia ’ s output would increase by six times its current levels [ 4 ] .
One of the main reasons why these small farms can solve world hunger is because they protect biodiversity .
Currently , twelve plants and five animal species make up 75 percent of what the world eats , This means that our food systems are incredibly vulnerable to natural disasters and disease outbreaks [ 8 ] .
Agroecological farms could be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
It could reduce the use of artificial chemicals , maintain the soil quality , and work with the local environment instead of against it .
Ronald Vargas , a soil and land officer at the FAO , says that small farms will be key to making the transition from industrialized farming to agroecology .
According to the FAO , supporting these farmers is urgent , and is the most promising means of combating hunger while minimizing the damaging impact that agriculture has on the environment [ 2 ] .
There are many @ @ @ @ @ @ @ farms that use environmentally-friendly practices and treat workers properly .
One way you can do this is by buying fairtrade as much as possible .
The easiest way , however , to support small farms is to buy local .
There are nearly nine thousand farmers markets across the United States , and more grocery stores are beginning to stock local produce .
By purchasing these products , you are providing farmers with a reliable outlet to sell their produce , which allows them to stay in business [ 8 ] .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the clearer the message becomes : we must give farmland back to small farmers .
We need agricultural policies to support these producers , and we as a society need to actively support them so they can continue to feed our growing numbers .
Read : Why Independent Farming in America Is Close to Extinction

By the year 2050, the world’s population is expected to reach nearly ten billion. This means that in that time, global food production must increase by fifty percent [1]. Could small farms offer a potential solution?
Large-scale agricultural production is often purported as the solution to feeding the world, however bringing more land under agricultural production will not solve the problem of global hunger [2].
In fact, over the last few decades it has become increasingly clear that modern industrial agriculture is not a cost-effective, healthy, or sustainable way to feed the world, and as the concentration of farmland has been put in the hands of fewer and fewer players, world hunger has only increased [3].
Small farms, on the other hand, are often more productive and have less of a negative impact on the environment when compared to large industrial farms. These smaller operations, however, are disappearing as they get pushed out by corporate farms.
As the world’s population continues to grow, finding ways to sustainably feed everyone across the globe is becoming a bigger and bigger issue, and small farms may be the solution.
What is a Small Farm?
There is confusion over what is considered a “small” or “family-owned” farm. The United Nations (UN) Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) loosely defines a family-owned farm as any farm that is managed by an individual or household. They admit, however, that there is no precise definition, and that definition varies depending on the country.
Because of this, in 2014 the FAO released a report that said family farms manage 70 to 80 percent of the world’s farmland, and produce 80 percent of the world’s food. On the ground, however, it is clear that this is not the case [4].
In fact, an in-depth survey conducted by GRAIN determined that small farmers hold just 24 percent of the world’s farmland [5].
So where is the discrepancy happening? The answer goes back to the very rough definition of what is a family farm, which includes a massive industrial soya bean farm in Argentina that’s owned by a family in Buenos Aires- and that’s just one example [4].
The Plight of the Small Farmer
In countries around the world, from Honduras to Kenya to Palestine to the Philippines, people are being dislodged from their farms so that their land can be used for industrial farmland to grow crops like soya bean, oil palm, rapeseed, and sugarcane [5].
Over the last five decades, 140 million hectares of farmland have been taken over by those four crops. These crops do not feed people but instead are grown for the agro-industrial complex, which relies heavily on fertilizers and pesticides [4,6].
Small farms have been getting even smaller over time because of a variety of factors including land concentration, population pressure, and lack of access to land. Small farms have been shrinking, in some place by as much as 50 percent, and today the average size of a small farm is a mere 2.2 hectares. These tiny plots make up 90 percent of all farms worldwide [5].
Read: Paris Is Building the World’s Largest Organic Rooftop Farm
Small Farms Could Solve World Hunger
These small farms, however, are more productive per-hectare than large scale industrial operations, and experts believe that they are the solution to feeding our growing population. This is because small farms prioritize production, and focus on feeding their own families, and on local and national markets.
One UN study determined that if small producers and agro-ecological farming methods were adequately supported, global food production could double within ten years while mitigating climate change and alleviating rural poverty [7].
If the large-scale operations matched the per-hectare yields of Kenya’s small farms, the country’s agricultural output would double. In Central America, it would triple, and Russia’s output would increase by six times its current levels [4].
One of the main reasons why these small farms can solve world hunger is because they protect biodiversity. Currently, twelve plants and five animal species make up 75 percent of what the world eats, This means that our food systems are incredibly vulnerable to natural disasters and disease outbreaks [8].
Agroecological farms could be an effective alternative to damaging industrial farming. It could reduce the use of artificial chemicals, maintain the soil quality, and work with the local environment instead of against it.
“Diversity is the key,” says Vicki Hird, food and farming campaigner at Sustain, an NGO. “Having these huge monocultures does not lend itself to being managed in a natural way, and can damage biodiversity.” [2]
Ronald Vargas, a soil and land officer at the FAO, says that small farms will be key to making the transition from industrialized farming to agroecology. According to the FAO, supporting these farmers is urgent, and is the most promising means of combating hunger while minimizing the damaging impact that agriculture has on the environment [2].
Support Small Farms
There are many ways in which you can support small farms that use environmentally-friendly practices and treat workers properly. One way you can do this is by buying fairtrade as much as possible.
The easiest way, however, to support small farms is to buy local. There are nearly nine thousand farmers markets across the United States, and more grocery stores are beginning to stock local produce. By purchasing these products, you are providing farmers with a reliable outlet to sell their produce, which allows them to stay in business [8].
The more we look at the numbers, the clearer the message becomes: we must give farmland back to small farmers. We need agricultural policies to support these producers, and we as a society need to actively support them so they can continue to feed our growing numbers.
Read: Why Independent Farming in America Is Close to Extinction


theheartysoul--2020-07-02--There’s A Theme Park That Allows Kids To Operate Construction Machinery

Whether you were a kid who was star-struck by construction equipment or have a child who is , Diggerland is the place for you .
That ’ s right , there is a theme park where instead of roller coasters and thrill rides , kids get to operate construction equipment .
In West Berlin , New Jersey , kids are going crazy for construction .
Though many kids enjoy playing with miniature backhoes , dump trucks , and excavators , here they get to play with the real thing .
Created to be as realistic as possible , visitors to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ machinery all on their own .
( 1 ) With 25 different attractions over 21 acres of land to explore , there is much for children to do at Diggerland .
The machines , of course , have been modified to fit their much smaller operators and are adjusted to be suitable and safe for every guest .
( 1 ) Day passes are just $ 30 and a season ’ s pass only $ 50 .
This also gives you access to the parks ’ military truck adventures and the rope course @ @ @ @ @ @ @ birthday parties , adult activities and corporate party packages , and an annual family camp-out night .
Visit their website for more information .
( 1 ) Read : 21 Unbelievable Places That Look Like They ’ re From Another Planet Other Interesting Theme Parks in the U.S. Diggerland isn ’ t the only slightly out-there theme park that the United States has to offer .
Check out the list below to find the oddest theme-park near you : • Fair Oaks Farm Dairy Adventure , Fair Oaks , Ind .
– From @ @ @ @ @ @ @ park speaks to the country-curious city slicker .
• Rockome Gardens , Arcola , Ill. – An Amish-themed park for a glimpse into a different way of life .
• San Francisco Dungeon , San Francisco , CA – For anyone curious as to what really went on in the past of SF ’ s most famous prison .
• Enchanted Forest , Turner , Ore. – A fairy-tale themed park that ’ s less Disneyland and more Brothers Grimm .
Would you check out any of these interesting and off-the-wall theme parks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Changes Its Appearance With The Seasons

Whether you were a kid who was star-struck by construction equipment or have a child who is, Diggerland is the place for you. That’s right, there is a theme park where instead of roller coasters and thrill rides, kids get to operate construction equipment.
Diggerland: A Construction Lover’s Dream Park
In West Berlin, New Jersey, kids are going crazy for construction. Though many kids enjoy playing with miniature backhoes, dump trucks, and excavators, here they get to play with the real thing. Created to be as realistic as possible, visitors to Diggerland have the opportunity to operate this machinery all on their own. (1)
With 25 different attractions over 21 acres of land to explore, there is much for children to do at Diggerland. The machines, of course, have been modified to fit their much smaller operators and are adjusted to be suitable and safe for every guest. (1)
Day passes are just $30 and a season’s pass only $50. This also gives you access to the parks’ military truck adventures and the rope course. (1)
Diggerland also offers birthday parties, adult activities and corporate party packages, and an annual family camp-out night. Visit their website for more information. (1)
Keep Reading: This Adults-Only Theme Park In Lets You Drive A Real Tank And Crush Cars
Sources


theheartysoul--2020-07-02--The formation of an ‘ice finger of death’ caught live on camera.

In this day and age , it ’ s easy to think that we ’ ve seen everything nature could possibly have to offer- we ’ ve got blood moons , bioluminescent water , thundereggs , the Northern Lights , volcanic lightning– the list goes on and on .
Despite this , nature still manages to surprise and amaze us , and continues to produce natural phenomena that baffle the world ’ s top scientists .
One such phenomenon has been known to scientists for decades , but is rarely seen : the brinicle .
Scientists have been aware of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , however catching them in action has proven to be extremely difficult [ 1 ] .
These icy , finger-like projections found beneath the Antarctic ice shelf were first caught on camera nearly ten years ago by Hugh Miller and Doug Anderson for the Discovery Channel special series Frozen Planet .
The producer of the show Kathryn Jeffs described how the entire team was blown away by how beautiful these haunting structures were .
Now , for the first time ever , the formation of a brinicle has been caught live on camera @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of BBC filmmakers .
A brinicle , or brine-icicle , is often referred to as a “ sea stalactite ” because of its resemblance to stalactites that form inside caves .
Brinicles develop when sea ice forms in the Arctic and Antarctic during the winter .
Ice is made up of pure water , so in order for ice to form in the saltwater ocean , it must force the salt out .
This is why ice made from seawater is not as salty as the water from which it was formed [ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the colder it needs to be for that water to freeze .
As salt leaks out of the forming ice , it causes the water surrounding it to become more saline , which lowers its freezing temperature and increases its density .
Because of this , the water is too salty to freeze , and dense enough to sink toward the ocean floor [ 3 ] .
This creates highly saline brine channels within the ice block , which is very porous .
As the salty , dense water sinks downward , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which is far less salty in comparison .
This is what creates that finger-like shape and appearance [ 4 ] .
Dr. Andrew Thurber is a Postdoctoral Fellow supported by the National Science Foundation ’ s Office of Polar Programs , and is one of the few scientists who has seen brinicle growth firsthand .
He describes these icy , finger-like projections as a fantastical scene .
Occasionally brinicles will sink all the way to the ocean floor .
As this super-cooled liquid spreads , it will freeze any bottom-dwelling creatures in its @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Thurber explains that in areas where brinicles were previously located , or underneath very active ones , small pools of brine form that he and his colleagues call “ black pools of death ” .
The Origins of Life on Earth ?
The study of brinicles is still relatively new , but scientists believe that life on Earth may have originated from these icy projections .
If this is the case , it could mean that they may foster conditions that are suitable for life on other planets and moons , including @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s moons [ 5 ] .
As the study of these mysterious formations continues , we will hopefully gain further insight into how they are formed and what impact they may have on our planet .
Keep Reading : Scientists Are Hunting For A Mirror Universe And Attempting To Open Portals Into It

In this day and age, it’s easy to think that we’ve seen everything nature could possibly have to offer- we’ve got blood moons, bioluminescent water, thundereggs, the Northern Lights, volcanic lightning– the list goes on and on.
Despite this, nature still manages to surprise and amaze us, and continues to produce natural phenomena that baffle the world’s top scientists. One such phenomenon has been known to scientists for decades, but is rarely seen: the brinicle.
The Brinicle: A Finger of Death
Scientists have been aware of the existence of brinicles since the 1960s, however catching them in action has proven to be extremely difficult.
These icy, finger-like projections found beneath the Antarctic ice shelf were first caught on camera nearly ten years ago by Hugh Miller and Doug Anderson for the Discovery Channel special series Frozen Planet.
The producer of the show Kathryn Jeffs described how the entire team was blown away by how beautiful these haunting structures were.
“We were exceptionally excited and we knew we had something that had never been filmed before, never been seen before,” she said. “No one has really seen the formation of a brinicle.” [2]
Now, for the first time ever, the formation of a brinicle has been caught live on camera by Sir David Attenborough and his team of BBC filmmakers.
What is a Brinnicle?
A brinicle, or brine-icicle, is often referred to as a “sea stalactite” because of its resemblance to stalactites that form inside caves.
Brinicles develop when sea ice forms in the Arctic and Antarctic during the winter. Ice is made up of pure water, so in order for ice to form in the saltwater ocean, it must force the salt out. This is why ice made from seawater is not as salty as the water from which it was formed [3].
The saltier the water, the colder it needs to be for that water to freeze. As salt leaks out of the forming ice, it causes the water surrounding it to become more saline, which lowers its freezing temperature and increases its density. Because of this, the water is too salty to freeze, and dense enough to sink toward the ocean floor [3].
This creates highly saline brine channels within the ice block, which is very porous. As the salty, dense water sinks downward, it freezes the water around it, which is far less salty in comparison. This is what creates that finger-like shape and appearance [4].
Dr. Andrew Thurber is a Postdoctoral Fellow supported by the National Science Foundation’s Office of Polar Programs, and is one of the few scientists who has seen brinicle growth firsthand. He describes these icy, finger-like projections as a fantastical scene.
“They look like upside-down cacti that are blown from glass,” he said, “like something from Dr. Suess’s imagination. They’re incredibly delicate and can break with the slightest touch.” [4]
Beautiful, but Deadly
Occasionally brinicles will sink all the way to the ocean floor. As this super-cooled liquid spreads, it will freeze any bottom-dwelling creatures in its path, including sea urchins and starfish.
Thurber explains that in areas where brinicles were previously located, or underneath very active ones, small pools of brine form that he and his colleagues call “black pools of death”.
“They can be quite clear but have the skeletons of many marine animals that have haphazardly wandered into them,” [4].
The Origins of Life on Earth?
The study of brinicles is still relatively new, but scientists believe that life on Earth may have originated from these icy projections. If this is the case, it could mean that they may foster conditions that are suitable for life on other planets and moons, including Ganymede and Callisto, two of Jupiter’s moons [5].
As the study of these mysterious formations continues, we will hopefully gain further insight into how they are formed and what impact they may have on our planet.


theheartysoul--2020-07-03--If Facebook isn’t spying on me, why did I get ads for what I just spoke about?

Have you ever been talking with someone , either face-to-face or over the phone , and they ’ ve mentioned a product they like , a show they ’ ve started watching , or a new subscription service they ’ re trying out ?
Chances are you have- that ’ s just a part of everyday conversation .
But have you ever been scrolling through Facebook or Instagram after that conversation- maybe minutes or hours later , or perhaps the next day , and had an ad pop up for the exact product or service that you were talking about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ re not alone .
This has happened to millions of people around the world , which has led many to ask the question : is Facebook listening to my conversations ?
Is Facebook spying on me ?
Tyler Mears : “ I Was Targeted With This Ad ” Tyler Mears , a woman living in Wales , has had this exact experience , multiple times .
After having a couple of passive conversations- one with her partner and one with some colleagues- she was targeted with an ad .
The product in question @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had never looked online for this product or done any kind of research on it , just had a casual , laughing conversation with a few people about it .
She laughed it off , but then it happened again .
This time , a colleague had sent her a video of a man attempting to stab a police officer while being arrested .
She later showed the video to her partner , and they talked about how lucky he was to have been wearing a stab-proof vest.Later that night as she scrolled @ @ @ @ @ @ @ find an ad for a stab-proof vest [ 1 ] .
Suspicions that Facebook and associated apps like Instagram are using our phones ’ microphones to listen to our conversations and target ads are not exactly new- Facebook executives have been questioned about this since 2016 , and have categorically denied it since the beginning .
Zuckerberg , without hesitation , answered with one word : No [ 2 ] .
Despite repeated denials , the rumour , which Zuckerberg often refers to as a “ conspiracy theory ” , has persisted .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Instagram executive Adam Mosseri how an ad for something could appear on her feed when she ’ s never searched for it , only talked about it in passing with someone else , he said the company doesn ’ t look at your messages or listen to your microphone , stating that it would be very problematic for a variety of reasons .
While it is easy to believe that these big-shot executives are lying to us , the truth is that they probably aren ’ t .
To wiretap users would be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ only would it require storing an unrealistic amount of data , but it would also need software that is sophisticated enough to analyze the minute details of human speech and decipher what is and is not important [ 4 ] .
How then , do you explain an ad appearing on your Facebook or Instagram feed for that monthly dog toy subscription that your friend was talking to you about at a party on the weekend ?
Read : Think Twice Before Getting Another IoT Device No , Facebook is not listening to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ collection have become so sophisticated and complex that their ad-targeting has become eerily accurate- so much so that it feels like they have eyes and ears spying on you wherever you go .
Facebook , for its part , does offer an explanation for this in its “ why you ’ re seeing this ad ” feature , which can be accessed by clicking the three dots in the top right hand corner of the Facebook ads menu .
Basically , a company has a target audience that they want to advertise to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 18 living in Los Angeles ” .
If you fall into that category , you might see their ad on your feed- but it goes deeper than that .
Let ’ s say you ’ re talking with your friend who also falls into that category , and she has already interacted with that ad , or even perhaps purchased the company ’ s product .
Facebook ’ s algorithm sees that you are with that friend , and knows what other things you have in common ( for example , you both @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you ’ re with that friend , you post a picture of the two of you together with your dogs .
That is even more fuel for the algorithm to determine that you might be interested in the same product .
Now that Facebook has all this information confirming that you are a potential customer for the company in question , they ’ ll send you the ad .
This intricate and precise system of data collection happens so quickly , that it feels like they were spying on your conversation , which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were [ 3 ] .
Tech industry veteran Phil Lieberman explains that the Facebook artificial intelligence ( AI ) engine uses textual and visual material that you provide to determine intent .
Facebook Isn ’ t Listening to You… But They Are Tracking You Every time you like or comment on a post or tag a friend in a post or status , you are giving Facebook more ammunition to serve you ads .
The company admits that it collects “ content , communications , and other information ” that you interact with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you post or like , the accounts you follow , the hashtags you use , and the groups you ’ re connected to .
Not only can the social media giant track what you do on Facebook and its affiliated apps , but it can track what you do on any website or app that uses Facebook plugins , logins , and widgets .
If you ’ ve ever used your Facebook account to sign in to a website , subscribe to an email , make a purchase or get a coupon , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Furthermore , if you give your permission , Facebook can track you wherever you go , even when the app is closed .
But it ’ s not so obvious as the app asking if you want them to do this .
If you ’ ve ever been about to post something on Facebook or Instagram and a pop-up has encouraged you to “ Turn on Location Services ” in order to automatically select the tag for the city you ’ re in , and said yes , you ’ ve given @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 3 ] .
Read : She ’ s a model citizen , but she can ’ t hide in China ’ s ‘ social credit ’ system There are some steps you can take to limit the company ’ s ability to track everything you do .
Under the “ Ads ” subsection in the Facebook Ad Preferences section on the app , you can fine-tune what information is given to advertisers .
This doesn ’ t stop them from collecting the data , but it will mean less information is being given @ @ @ @ @ @ @ however , won ’ t stop you from seeing ads , and you will still be targeted based on your age , gender , location , and other demographic data [ 3,1 ] .
You can also refuse access to location data by clicking the “ Manage Settings ” tab on the app and setting the location tracking to “ Never ” [ 3 ] .
That being said , no matter how much you attempt to restrict the app ’ s permissions , if you ’ re using Facebook and interacting with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ amount of your data and information can still be collected .
Facebook addresses this on its FAQ page : Gaming Apps are in on it Too Gaming apps like “ Pool 3D , ” “ Beer Pong : Trickshot ” and “ Real Bowling Strike 10 Pin ” also track your information to target ads .
Once downloaded onto your phone , they use a software called Alphonso to track the viewing habits of their users [ 5 ] .
This software , however , does use your microphone- to find out what @ @ @ @ @ @ @ signals in TV ads and shows .
It can also match this information with the places you ’ ve been to more accurately target ads .
Alphonso says that its software does not record human speech , and that the company can not gain access to the users ’ locations or microphones without their permission .
Users can also opt out any time [ 5 ] .
When in Doubt , Opt Out So is Facebook spying on you ?
Yes , kind of , but not in the way you ’ re @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you use social media , play games on your phone , or even if you use a weather app , your data is being collected .
So , if you really want to limit how much of your information is going to advertisers , your best bet is to get rid of social media altogether .
If going off Facebook and Instagram is not something you ’ re willing to do , then you will just have to be ok knowing that your information is being collected .
Keep Reading : Say goodbye @ @ @ @ @ @ @ self-checkout only

Have you ever been talking with someone, either face-to-face or over the phone, and they’ve mentioned a product they like, a show they’ve started watching, or a new subscription service they’re trying out? Chances are you have- that’s just a part of everyday conversation. But have you ever been scrolling through Facebook or Instagram after that conversation- maybe minutes or hours later, or perhaps the next day, and had an ad pop up for the exact product or service that you were talking about? The talk of Facebook spying is becoming more frequent and for good reason.
If you have experienced this, you’re not alone. This has happened to millions of people around the world, which has led many to ask the question: Is Facebook listening to my conversations? Is Facebook spying on me?
Tyler Mears: “I Was Targeted With This Ad”
Tyler Mears, a woman living in Wales, has had this exact experience, multiple times. After having a couple of passive conversations- one with her partner and one with some colleagues- she was targeted with an ad. The product in question? A female urination device.
Mears had never looked online for this product or done any kind of research on it, just had a casual, laughing conversation with a few people about it.
She laughed it off, but then it happened again. This time, a colleague had sent her a video of a man attempting to stab a police officer while being arrested. She later showed the video to her partner, and they talked about how lucky he was to have been wearing a stab-proof vest. Later that night as she scrolled through Facebook, she was shocked to find an ad for a stab-proof vest [1].
Facebook Spying: A Conspiracy Theory?
Suspicions that Facebook and associated apps like Instagram are using our phones’ microphones to listen to our conversations and target ads are not exactly new, Facebook executives have been questioned about this since 2016, and have categorically denied it since the beginning.
In a Senate hearing in 2018, senator Gary Peters asked Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg point-blank:
“Yes or no, does Facebook use audio obtained from mobile devices to enrich personal information about users?”
Zuckerberg, without hesitation, answered with one word: No [2].
Despite repeated denials, the rumor, which Zuckerberg often refers to as a “conspiracy theory”, has persisted.
CBS This Morning host Gayle King asked Instagram executive Adam Mosseri how an ad for something could appear on her feed when she’s never searched for it, only talked about it in passing with someone else, he said the company doesn’t look at your messages or listen to your microphone, stating that it would be very problematic for a variety of reasons.
“But I recognize you’re not gonna really believe me,” he added [3].
While it is easy to believe that these big-shot executives are lying to us, the truth is that they probably aren’t. To wiretap, users would be highly illegal and very impractical. Not only would it require storing an unrealistic amount of data, but it would also need software that is sophisticated enough to analyze the minute details of human speech and decipher what is and is not important [4].
How then, do you explain an ad appearing on your Facebook or Instagram feed for that monthly dog toy subscription that your friend was talking to you about at a party on the weekend?
“Facebook is eavesdropping on you,” says Jamie Court, the president of Los Angeles-based Consumer Watchdog nonprofit. “It’s just in a different way.” [3]
How Does Facebook Target Ads?
No, Facebook is not listening to you, but their methods of data collection have become so sophisticated and complex that their ad-targeting has become eerily accurate- so much so that it feels like they have eyes and ears spying on you wherever you go.
“They actually have ways of coming to know things about you that we don’t fully understand yet,” explained Same Lavigne, a Brooklyn-based artist who explores the intersection of technology and society [4].
Facebook, for its part, does offer an explanation for this in its “why you’re seeing this ad” feature, which can be accessed by clicking the three dots in the top right-hand corner of the Facebook ads menu.
Basically, a company has a target audience that they want to advertise to, for example, “women over 18 living in Los Angeles”. If you fall into that category, you might see their ad on your feed- but it goes deeper than that.
Let’s say you’re talking with your friend who also falls into that category, and she has already interacted with that ad, or even perhaps purchased the company’s product. Facebook’s algorithm sees that you are with that friend, and knows what other things you have in common (for example, you both have a dog).
Maybe while you’re with that friend, you post a picture of the two of you together with your dogs. That is even more fuel for the algorithm to determine that you might be interested in the same product.
Now that Facebook has all this information confirming that you are a potential customer for the company in question, they’ll send you the ad. This intricate and precise system of data collection happens so quickly, that it feels like they were spying on your conversation, which, in a roundabout way, they were [3].
Tech industry veteran Phil Lieberman explains that the Facebook artificial intelligence (AI) engine uses textual and visual material that you provide to determine intent.
“With intent, they can find product and services that you might be interested in. This is all about ‘recommender systems’ similar to what Amazon offers, but FB has more information on an ongoing basis to determine what you might be interested in buying.” [3]
Facebook Isn’t Listening to You… But They Are Tracking You
Every time you like or comment on a post or tag a friend in a post or status, you are giving Facebook more ammunition to serve you ads.
The company admits that it collects “content, communications, and other information” that you interact with. This includes the photos and videos you post or like, the accounts you follow, the hashtags you use, and the groups you’re connected to.
Not only can the social media giant track what you do on Facebook and its affiliated apps, but it can track what you do on any website or app that uses Facebook plugins, logins, and widgets. If you’ve ever used your Facebook account to sign in to a website, subscribe to an email, make a purchase or get a coupon, that data gets collected [3].
Furthermore, if you give your permission, Facebook can track you wherever you go, even when the app is closed. But it’s not so obvious as the app asking if you want them to do this.
If you’ve ever been about to post something on Facebook or Instagram and a pop-up has encouraged you to “Turn on Location Services” in order to automatically select the tag for the city you’re in, and said yes, you’ve given them permission to track your location [3].
Can You Limit Facebook’s Tracking?
There are some steps you can take to limit the company’s ability to track everything you do. Under the “Ads” subsection in the Facebook Ad Preferences section on the app, you can fine-tune what information is given to advertisers. This doesn’t stop them from collecting the data, but it will mean less information is being given to companies and brands.
This, however, won’t stop you from seeing ads, and you will still be targeted based on your age, gender, location, and other demographic data [3,1].
You can also refuse access to location data by clicking the “Manage Settings” tab on the app and setting the location tracking to “Never” [3].
That being said, no matter how much you attempt to restrict the app’s permissions, if you’re using Facebook and interacting with people on the app, a large amount of your data and information can still be collected. Facebook addresses this on its FAQ page:
“We may still understand your location using things like check-ins, events, and information about your internet connection,” [3].
Gaming Apps are in on it Too
Gaming apps like “Pool 3D,” “Beer Pong: Trickshot” and “Real Bowling Strike 10 Pin” also track your information to target ads. Once downloaded onto your phone, they use a software called Alphonso to track the viewing habits of their users [5].
This software, however, does use your microphone- to find out what you’re watching by identifying audio signals in TV ads and shows. It can also match this information with the places you’ve been to more accurately target ads.
Alphonso says that its software does not record human speech, and that the company cannot gain access to the users’ locations or microphones without their permission. Users can also opt out at any time [5].
When in Doubt, Opt Out
So is Facebook spying on you? Yes, kind of, but not in the way you’re thinking.
The truth is, if you use social media, play games on your phone, or even if you use a weather app, your data is being collected. So, if you really want to limit how much of your information is going to advertisers, your best bet is to get rid of social media altogether.
If going off Facebook and Instagram is not something you’re willing to do, then you will just have to be ok knowing that your information is being collected.
Sources:
“‘Facebook is spying on me’: User gets ads for obscure things she’s just chatted about.” Mirror. Tyler Mears. April 21, 2019. “Zuckerberg shoots down conspiracy theory that Facebook taps your microphone.” The Verge. Sarah Jeong. April 10, 2018. “Is Facebook listening to me? Why those ads appear after you talk about things.” Phys. Jefferson Graham. June 27, 2019. “DIGITAL ADS ARE STARTING TO FEEL PSYCHIC.” The Outline. Oscar Schwartz. July 13, 2018. “That Game on Your Phone May Be Tracking What You’re Watching on TV.” NY Times
This article originally appeared on The Hearty Soul in June 2020 and has been published here with permission.


theheartysoul--2020-07-03--A scientific study claims that your age affects how you see this famous optical illusion

There are many different optical illusions that have stumped people for decades- the Impossible Trident , the Cafe Wall Illusion , and the Impossible Elephant are just a few examples of how easily your eyes can be tricked .
One of the most famous of these illusions is “ My Wife and Mother-in-Law ” , also known as the Boring Figure , which has been making people look twice ( or three or four times ) since 1915 [ 1 ] .
The famous brain teaser was created by British Cartoonist William Elly Hill , and includes two images in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ look at it , you see a young woman with her face turned away from you , or you see the profile of an old woman .
A study conducted a couple of years ago in Australia used the image as an example of how age-bias affects subconscious face perception .
Your Age Affect What You See The 2018 study was conducted by researchers at Flinders University in Australia .
Since you can only see one of the figures at a time , the researchers concluded that which image you see first depends @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The participants in the study , which included 242 males and 141 females ( 393 participants in total ) , ranged in age from 18 to 68 , with a median age of 32 .
They were shown the image for half a second , then were asked the gender and the age of the person they saw [ 2 ] .
In short , the researchers found that a younger person will see the younger woman first , and older people will see the older woman first [ 3 ] .
Not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to see the younger woman first , but they tended to guess the age of the woman in the image to be younger as well .
On average , younger participants guessed the age of the woman to be 6.3 years younger than the older participants [ 3 ] .
Read : If You Have These 10+ Characteristics , You Belong to the World ’ s Rarest Personality Type What Does this Mean ?
The consistency between the age of the participant and the perceived age of the woman in the image demonstrated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in face recognition .
Basically , this means that younger people recognize younger people ’ s faces more accurately than older people , and older people recognize older people ’ s faces more accurately than younger people [ 4 ] .
According to the researchers , younger people are more significantly affected by own-age bias than those who are older [ 3 ] .
Basically , we are better at recognizing people who are within our own age group .
An adult ’ s ability to recognize a face is shaped by experience @ @ @ @ @ @ @ life experience , not only recognize faces of their own age more accurately but also faces of people from the same race .
This can be explained by differences in the way in-group and out-group faces are processed .
In-groups faces are processed at an individual level , while out-group faces are processed at the categorical level , making it harder to recognize them at an individual level [ 5 ] .
All of this offers an explanation as to why a child thinks their sixty-year-old grandmother “ must be a hundred ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had significant exposure to people of a different culture may have a harder time differentiating between individuals of that culture .
Read : Who ’ s the Biggest Fool ?
Your Choice Reveals a Lot About Your Personality All of this is to say that your experience can have a significant impact on your initial interpretation of an image at a subconscious level .
The more people you meet and interact with , the better you will become at differentiating between faces of people from different age groups , cultures , and even @ @ @ @ @ @ @ however , that even older adults still had an easier time seeing the older face , which shows that even with more life experience and exposure to different people , you ’ re still likely going to have an easier time recognizing faces that are similar to yours .
Keep Reading : How Fast Can You Find The Odd Turtle In This Picture ?

There are many different famous optical illusions that have stumped people for decades- the Impossible Trident, the Cafe Wall Illusion, and the Impossible Elephant are just a few examples of how easily your eyes can be tricked.
One of the most famous of these illusions is “My Wife and Mother-in-Law”, also known as the Boring Figure, which has been making people look twice (or three or four times) since 1915 [1]. The famous brain teaser was created by British Cartoonist William Elly Hill, and includes two images in one. Depending on the way you look at it, you see a young woman with her face turned away from you, or you see the profile of an old woman.
A study conducted a couple of years ago in Australia used the image as an example of how age-bias affects subconscious face perception.
“My Wife and My Mother-in-Law” from 1915.
Image Credit: Wikimedia Commons
Your Age Affect What You See In This Famous Optical Illusion
The 2018 study was conducted by researchers at Flinders University in Australia. Since you can only see one of the figures at a time, the researchers concluded that which image you see first depends on your age [2].
The participants in the study, which included 242 males and 141 females (393 participants in total), ranged in age from 18 to 68, with a median age of 32. They were shown the image for half a second, then were asked the gender and the age of the person they saw [2].
In short, the researchers found that a younger person will see the younger woman first, and older people will see the older woman first [3].
Not only was a younger person more likely to see the younger woman first, but they tended to guess the age of the woman in the image to be younger as well. On average, younger participants guessed the age of the woman to be 6.3 years younger than the older participants [3].
What Does this Mean?
The consistency between the age of the participant and the perceived age of the woman in the image demonstrated what psychologists call “own-age bias” in face recognition. Basically, this means that younger people recognize younger people’s faces more accurately than older people, and older people recognize older people’s faces more accurately than younger people [4].
According to the researchers, younger people are more significantly affected by own-age bias than those who are older [3]. Basically, we are better at recognizing people who are within our own age group.
An adult’s ability to recognize a face is shaped by experience. Younger people, who have less life experience, not only recognize faces of their own age more accurately but also faces of people from the same race.
This can be explained by differences in the way in-group and out-group faces are processed. In-groups faces are processed at an individual level, while out-group faces are processed at the categorical level, making it harder to recognize them at an individual level [5].
All of this offers an explanation as to why a child thinks their sixty-year-old grandmother “must be a hundred”, or why someone who has not had significant exposure to people of a different culture may have a harder time differentiating between individuals of that culture.
Your Experience Shapes Your Reality
All of this is to say that your experience can have a significant impact on your initial interpretation of an image at a subconscious level. The more people you meet and interact with, the better you will become at differentiating between faces of people from different age groups, cultures, and even genders.
This study pointed out, however, that even older adults still had an easier time seeing the older face, which shows that even with more life experience and exposure to different people, you’re still likely going to have an easier time recognizing faces that are similar to yours.
Keep Reading: The First Thing You See in These 10 Illusions May Reveal a Lot About Your Inner Mind
Sources