theheartysoul--2020-03-21--There Are Merit Badges For Adults Because Adulting Is Hard

Teenagers can ’ t wait to be liberated by adulthood so they could do what they want , how they want , and when they want it .
Then they become 19 , 20 , or maybe even 21 and discover adulting is hard .
Many people at this age may struggle with identifying themselves as adults ; after all , they struggle to handle themselves financially , relationships become complicated , their health becomes their problem , and what even are taxes ?
WinksForDays decided that reward systems and positive reinforcement shouldn ’ t just be for kids being @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their homework .
Adults deserve to have some fun and earn completion badges as well .
After all , adulting can be hard and it ’ s about time there ’ s that acknowledges that .
When it comes to settling down with spouses and kids , choosing a career , and buying a house , many ‘ emerging adults ’ have the same answer : I ’ ve got time .
This phenomenon didn ’ t come from “ millennial laziness ” but rather the economy and their upbringing .
Buying or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , especially for people with entry-level jobs and student loans .
Many live with their parents to try to save up money .
There is also the emotional aspect of growing up : It ’ s scary .
It ’ s much easier and seemingly safer to stick to the status quo of younger days , even when it ’ s not what is best .
Additionally , some parents who want their children to ‘ grow up and act responsibly ’ perhaps should look at how they raised these adults .
Humbelina @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Department of Personality , Evaluation and Psychological Treatment of the University of Granada and an expert in emotional disorders , states parental overprotectiveness “ usually affects dependent people who have been overprotected by their families and haven ’ t developed the necessary skills to confront life.
” The ‘ Peter Pans ’ of today “ see the adult world as very problematic and glorify adolescence , which is why they want to stay in that state of privilege.
” [ 2 ] Read : College Isn ’ t For Every Young Adult–And It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is not to say that people who balk at adult-type tasks don ’ t want to grow up .
As with most challenges , the hardest part is figuring out how to begin .
Adulting includes many tasks from finding and booking medical professionals , keeping up at work , using time productively , eating healthy food , to more complex features like being a good partner and friend , how to deal with toxic people , and how to be punctual .
It ’ s a difficult process , and many emerging @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Berkeley is now offering an “ adulting class ” led by two undergrads , Belle Lau and Jenny Zhou , who schedule guest speakers and plan discussion topics .
Life skill classes like these have become popular for college students and postgrads as classes like home economics are being canceled in high schools .
Many people who take these classes can score a five on their AP Physics test but are lost when it comes to budgeting and meal-planning .
Lau ’ s mother , Allie Wu , agrees and says that parents @ @ @ @ @ @ @ enough to do things on their own , ” and “ when they ’ re at home their parents pretty much take care of everything for them.
” In Portland , Maine , there ’ s an Adulting School that teaches “ soft ” skills like making friends , conflict resolution , interviewing , personal finance , basic home maintenance , and much more .
“ We ’ ve had clients who are millennials having major anxiety that they didn ’ t have these skills and didn ’ t feel successful as an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ There ’ s a lot of self-loathing that happens.
” Similar classes and workshops are available at universities , libraries , and even on social media private groups , and blogs .
“ Maybe it is our parents who aren ’ t teaching us these things we thought we should already know , but we don ’ t want to blame our parents for us being naive or ignorant , ” says Lau .
“ It ’ s our responsibility as college students to know that if we ’ re struggling @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out there for us.
” [ 3 ] Read : Never Trip Over A Tent Rope Again With These Glow In The Dark Tent Ropes These merit badges are really just for fun , but they could serve as a cute reminder for the little responsibilities adults have to tackle every day .
Mostly , they are perfect for a good laugh .
After all , humor is a great way to deal with challenges , even ones as non-challenging as putting on pants .
They are made from colorful polyester thread and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ craft adhesive glue onto backpacks , hats , shoes , and jackets .
Here is a full list of the badges available : • I Tried My Best • Did It Myself • Went To The Gym • Only Had One Glass Each merit badge comes in a set of three and can make a hilarious gift .
Plus , if you ‘ earn ’ all 10 sets , congratulations .
You are a real adult !
Check out the badges HERE .
Keep Reading : Amazon Sells a “ Ghost-Detecting ” Stone @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is Nearby

Teenagers can’t wait to be liberated by adulthood so they could do what they want, how they want, and when they want it. Then they become 19, 20, or maybe even 21 and discover adulting is hard. Many people at this age may struggle with identifying themselves as adults; after all, they struggle to handle themselves financially, relationships become complicated, their health becomes their problem, and what even are taxes?
WinksForDays decided that reward systems and positive reinforcement shouldn’t just be for kids being trained to brush their teeth or do their homework. Adults deserve to have some fun and earn completion badges as well. After all, adulting can be hard and it’s about time there’s that acknowledges that.
The Peter Pan Generation
When it comes to settling down with spouses and kids, choosing a career, and buying a house, many ‘emerging adults’ have the same answer: I’ve got time.
“A word sometimes used to describe these people is ‘adultescent’ — some who refuse to settle down and make commitments, and who would rather go on partying into middle age,” says Professor Frank Furedi from the University of Kent. “These people might live with their parents until they are in their 30s, continuing the life had in their early 20s.” [1]
This phenomenon didn’t come from “millennial laziness” but rather the economy and their upbringing. Buying or renting a house has become more costly, especially for people with entry-level jobs and student loans. Many live with their parents to try to save up money.
There is also the emotional aspect of growing up: It’s scary. It’s much easier and seemingly safer to stick to the status quo of younger days, even when it’s not what is best.
Additionally, some parents who want their children to ‘grow up and act responsibly’ perhaps should look at how they raised these adults.
Humbelina Robles Ortega, a professor of the Department of Personality, Evaluation and Psychological Treatment of the University of Granada and an expert in emotional disorders, states parental overprotectiveness “usually affects dependent people who have been overprotected by their families and haven’t developed the necessary skills to confront life.”
The ‘Peter Pans’ of today “see the adult world as very problematic and glorify adolescence, which is why they want to stay in that state of privilege.” [2]
Read: College Isn’t For Every Young Adult–And It’s Time Parents Accept It
Learning to Adult
That is not to say that people who balk at adult-type tasks don’t want to grow up. As with most challenges, the hardest part is figuring out how to begin. Adulting includes many tasks from finding and booking medical professionals, keeping up at work, using time productively, eating healthy food, to more complex features like being a good partner and friend, how to deal with toxic people, and how to be punctual. It’s a difficult process, and many emerging adults feel unequipped to begin.
UC Berkeley is now offering an “adulting class” led by two undergrads, Belle Lau and Jenny Zhou, who schedule guest speakers and plan discussion topics. Life skill classes like these have become popular for college students and postgrads as classes like home economics are being canceled in high schools. Many people who take these classes can score a five on their AP Physics test but are lost when it comes to budgeting and meal-planning.
“We’re thrown out into this world and have little idea about what the heck we’re supposed to do,” says Lau, 21. “I think in general we all feel a little bit lost and don’t know where to start.”
Lau’s mother, Allie Wu, agrees and says that parents “don’t trust their kids enough to do things on their own,” and “when they’re at home their parents pretty much take care of everything for them.”
In Portland, Maine, there’s an Adulting School that teaches “soft” skills like making friends, conflict resolution, interviewing, personal finance, basic home maintenance, and much more.
“We’ve had clients who are millennials having major anxiety that they didn’t have these skills and didn’t feel successful as an adult,” says Principal Rachel Flehinger. “There’s a lot of self-loathing that happens.”
Similar classes and workshops are available at universities, libraries, and even on social media private groups, and blogs.
“Maybe it is our parents who aren’t teaching us these things we thought we should already know, but we don’t want to blame our parents for us being naive or ignorant,” says Lau. “It’s our responsibility as college students to know that if we’re struggling in some aspect, there are resources out there for us.” [3]
Read: Never Trip Over A Tent Rope Again With These Glow In The Dark Tent Ropes
Adulting Merit Badges
These merit badges are really just for fun, but they could serve as a cute reminder for the little responsibilities adults have to tackle every day. Mostly, they are perfect for a good laugh. After all, humor is a great way to deal with challenges, even ones as non-challenging as putting on pants.
They are made from colorful polyester thread and can be ironed or glued with E6000 craft adhesive glue onto backpacks, hats, shoes, and jackets.
Here is a full list of the badges available:
Abandoned My Shopping Cart
Went Makeup-Free
Avoided Confrontation
Paid Bills On Time
Responded To Emails
I Tried My Best
Minded My Own Business
Drank Some Water
Did It Myself
On Time For Work
Packed My Lunch
Saved Some Money
Only Watched One Episode
Paid With Cash
Learned Something New
Lip-Synched An Entire Song
Went To The Gym
Only Had One Glass
Used A Coupon
Called My Mom
Took My Vitamins
Ate A Vegetable
Made Coffee
Updated The Software
Walked The Dog
Flossed
Reduced Screen Time
Watered The Plant
Went Outside Today
Put Pants On
Each merit badge comes in a set of three and can make a hilarious gift. Plus, if you ‘earn’ all 10 sets, congratulations. You are a real adult!
Keep Reading: Amazon Sells a “Ghost-Detecting” Stone that Supposedly Tells You when a Ghost is Nearby


theheartysoul--2020-03-21--4-year-old Girls Insist They’re Twins because They ‘Have the Same Birthday and the Same Soul’

They don ’ t see color .
They see love .
In 2017 , 4-year-old preschoolers from Miami went viral online for insisting they could not just be best friends or mere sisters .
Jia Sarnicola and Zuri Copeland have been telling everyone they ’ re twins , and they have a long list of reasons to back up their stand .
According to the girls , who are now 6 , if their birthdays are practically the same day , they are both four years old , they are the same height and share the same soul , why @ @ @ @ @ @ @ twins ?
Their birthdays are actually two days apart , June 3 and June 5 , but the girls have refused to be told otherwise and they ’ ve celebrated together every year .
Their moms , Ashley Sarnicola and Valencia Copeland have been doing a great job of indulging them whenever they insist on wearing the same outfits .
Zuri is African-American with black hair while Jia is Caucasian with bright blonde hair .
These beautiful young ladies went viral for teaching the world a simple yet valuable lesson ; the concept @ @ @ @ @ @ @ humans based on shared physical similarities .
There should be no further exclusions or disconnections .
The one race everyone should readily identify with is the human race .
End of story .
Read : Single Dad Adopts 13-Year-Old Who was Abandoned 2 Years Earlier at Hospital The girls do everything together .
They go to the same pre-school and afterward , they spend nearly every other hour in each other ’ s company .
They even have a board hanging at the wall in their school highlighting their inspiring friendship .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who are determined to always encourage the powerful bond their children share .
However , there are bitter moments where they have to be reminded of how cruel and insensitive society truly is .
The moms recalled the girls ’ first encounter with racism .
They were at a birthday party and of course , they wore the same outfit and put it up to anyone who cared to know that they were twins .
An older girl tried to shut them down , telling them that they couldn ’ t be twins @ @ @ @ @ @ @ same color skin ’ .
The moms are worried about what the future may hold for the incredible friendship their children have , but they are hoping the girls will continue to break limits and defy odds .
Read : This Nightclub for the Elderly is Helping Fight Loneliness While the girls have many happy days and wonderful encounters together , they are bound to get into it once in a while .
They are supposed to be sisters for life and nothing should come between them , especially not boys .
Zuri @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , a development that could potentially strain their twin-sisterhood .
While that was a tough score to settle , the girls are still closer than ever .
The moms are expecting a whole world of drama to unfold as the girls get older , but their love for each other will always keep them together .
Keep Reading : Dentistry Student Shares Touching Story of Being Raised by Father with Down Syndrome

A Tiffy Taffy Highlight Story: Sometimes there are tales that are just too good, too beautiful, or too unbelievable to keep locked away. That’s why we scour the archives and bring some of them back to enjoy again. They may make you smile or shed a tear, but they’re always meant to add a little positivity to your day. Enjoy!
They don’t see color. They see love.
In 2017, 4-year-old preschoolers from Miami went viral online for insisting they could not just be best friends or mere sisters. Jia Sarnicola and Zuri Copeland have been telling everyone they’re twins, and they have a long list of reasons to back up their stand. According to the girls, who are now 6, if their birthdays are practically the same day, they are both four years old, they are the same height and share the same soul, why would anyone doubt that they’re twins?
Their birthdays are actually two days apart, June 3 and June 5, but the girls have refused to be told otherwise and they’ve celebrated together every year.
Their moms, Ashley Sarnicola and Valencia Copeland have been doing a great job of indulging them whenever they insist on wearing the same outfits. Zuri is African-American with black hair while Jia is Caucasian with bright blonde hair. These beautiful young ladies went viral for teaching the world a simple yet valuable lesson; the concept of race is only supposed to describe humans based on shared physical similarities. There should be no further exclusions or disconnections. The one race everyone should readily identify with is the human race. End of story.
Image credit: Ashley Riggs Sarnicola and Valencia Copeland
“I think that’s one of the nice things about growing up in a multicultural, melting pot city,” Ashley, Jia’s mom, told ABC News [1]. “They don’t see color. We’ve never talked to them about it.”
“It is unbelievable. They connected very well immediately,” Valencia, Zuri’s mom said. “It was amazing how they’ve gelled together.”
Resisting societal influence
The girls do everything together. They go to the same pre-school and afterward, they spend nearly every other hour in each other’s company. They even have a board hanging at the wall in their school highlighting their inspiring friendship.
The girls’ mothers are equally great friends who are determined to always encourage the powerful bond their children share.
Image credit: Ashley Riggs Sarnicola and Valencia Copeland
“They’re both little Geminis,” Ashely said. “They have very strong personalities and are both super outgoing, well-spoken, intelligent, and not afraid to tell you what they want. They hit it off right away.”
However, there are bitter moments where they have to be reminded of how cruel and insensitive society truly is.
“You know, you’re happy for a few seconds and then you become sad because they have to grow up – and then society takes over,” Valencia told CBS News [2].
The moms recalled the girls’ first encounter with racism. They were at a birthday party and of course, they wore the same outfit and put it up to anyone who cared to know that they were twins. An older girl tried to shut them down, telling them that they couldn’t be twins because they were not of the ‘same color skin’.
Image credit: Ashley Riggs Sarnicola | Facebook
The girls were so heartbroken at that awful assertion. Jia immediately broke down in tears, but her pain quickly turned to fury and she fired back at the mean kid saying, ‘You don’t know what you’re talking about. We’re twins because we share the same soul.’
“I was just thrown by just that word,” Valencia said.
The moms are worried about what the future may hold for the incredible friendship their children have, but they are hoping the girls will continue to break limits and defy odds.
Twin sisters will occasionally fall out
Image credit: Ashley Riggs Sarnicola and Valencia Copeland
While the girls have many happy days and wonderful encounters together, they are bound to get into it once in a while.
They are supposed to be sisters for life and nothing should come between them, especially not boys. Zuri once accused Jia of having a boyfriend, a development that could potentially strain their twin-sisterhood. While that was a tough score to settle, the girls are still closer than ever.
The moms are expecting a whole world of drama to unfold as the girls get older, but their love for each other will always keep them together.
“We have a lot to learn and we can learn from children,” Valencia said.
Keep Reading: Meet the biracial twins who make strangers do a double take
Sources


theheartysoul--2020-03-21--How One Man Turned His Backyard Garden Into a Full-Fledged Community Farmers Market

Jamiah Hargins was unaware that he was about to revolutionize his neighborhood when he moved to the West Adams area in Los Angeles in 2015 .
The only thing he thought he was creating was a simple backyard garden to produce fruits and vegetables for his wife Ginnia , his daughter Triana , and him to enjoy .
However , he underestimated his gardening abilities and the reaping of the little plot , and he harvested more food his family could eat before it spoils .
He didn ’ t want these hard-earned lemons , beans , and herbs to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the local social media platform Nextdoor to see if anyone was interested in crop swapping .
Fifteen people showed up to the swap , lugging pumpkins , artichokes , onions , and kale from their backyards or container gardens .
Everyone went home with a nice variety of produce .
The group exchanged more than food ; they discussed gardening and branched off into weightier topics .
“ But then we started talking about growing food and the importance of social equality , ” says Kristen Kloc , a local who thought she @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and go home , unexpecting any form of neighborly bonding .
The group grew from fifteen people to about one hundred , all in Jamiah ’ s backyard .
Jamiah knew it was time to make this meetup official and called it Crop Swap LA .
This organization goes beyond a simple crop swap now ; it ’ s evolved into a weekly farmer ’ s market with live music and over 20 vendors , as well as gardening workshops for kids .
Of course , the crop swap occurs about every week @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and included ten stalls , live music , food trucks , and free yoga classes .
The location has , of course , moved from Jamiah ’ s backyard to the Seeds of Carver Community Garden .
The members of Crop Swap help their neighbors begin their own gardens , led by expert landscape gardener Brendan Wilson .
Crop Swap ’ s goal is to use every available are of West Adams to grow food , whether it ’ s in containers on business rooftops , in parking lots , on front lawns @ @ @ @ @ @ @ make this so-called food desert into a vibrant and healthy community with resident involvement and companionship .
[ 1 ] He spent much of his professional life so far in finances , then he moved to Brazil to manage a social enterprise for rural agriculture , then he returned to Columbia University , then he became an executive search headhunter to find people for different educative roles .
“ This became excellent training for what I ’ m doing now , which requires me to build out a team , delegate those rules @ @ @ @ @ @ @ right person for the right task .
“ My journey has helped me learn new skills and experiences that help me with the West Adams Crop Swap.
” [ 2 ] Read : Forest garden with over 500 edible plants requires only a few hours of work monthly How to Participate in Crop Swap LA If you ’ re interested in joining the swap , here are a few things you should know .
Crop Swap LA values the importance of not only organic food but nutrient grown food .
They believe in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nutritional needs .
On their website , they describe their ideal produce as : • “ Enriched , and tested soil , for perfect mineral and nutrient composition ” • “ Free of pesticides or any GMO seed usage ” • “ Cared-for with methods described by biochemist and horticulturist Dr. Jana Bogs ” As they claim : “ Grown this way , veggies and fruit are easier to ingest into the body , provide us with nutrients we need and will last longer in your refrigerator.
” The organization also stresses the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s dry climate .
This system involves capturing rainwater for future irrigation use as a sustainable way of preserving water .
“ Nature offers an abundance of chances to regain control of our food , money , social habits , and environment , ” the website states .
[ 3 ] While Jamiah is now recognized as the founder and sometimes “ the Crop Swap guy , ” his connection with his new community is his most valued aspect of this organization .
Keep Reading : Want to Help Bees ?
Leave @ @ @ @ @

“I looked around the city and wondered what I would feed my newborn daughter. It became clear that I needed to create it myself. So I hurried to build a vegetable garden.” – Jamiah Hargin
Jamiah Hargins was unaware that he was about to revolutionize his neighborhood when he moved to the West Adams area in Los Angeles in 2015. The only thing he thought he was creating was a simple backyard garden to produce fruits and vegetables for his wife Ginnia, his daughter Triana, and him to enjoy.
However, he underestimated his gardening abilities and the reaping of the little plot, and he harvested more food his family could eat before it spoils. He didn’t want these hard-earned lemons, beans, and herbs to go to waste, so Jamiah posted the local social media platform Nextdoor to see if anyone was interested in crop swapping.
Fifteen people showed up to the swap, lugging pumpkins, artichokes, onions, and kale from their backyards or container gardens. Everyone went home with a nice variety of produce.
“I was delighted by how many people were willing to meet strangers on a Sunday morning,” Jamiah says.
The group exchanged more than food; they discussed gardening and branched off into weightier topics.
“But then we started talking about growing food and the importance of social equality,” says Kristen Kloc, a local who thought she’d give out some extra oranges and go home, unexpecting any form of neighborly bonding.
The group grew from fifteen people to about one hundred, all in Jamiah’s backyard. Jamiah knew it was time to make this meetup official and called it Crop Swap LA. This organization goes beyond a simple crop swap now; it’s evolved into a weekly farmer’s market with live music and over 20 vendors, as well as gardening workshops for kids. Of course, the crop swap occurs about every week. The first one was last December and included ten stalls, live music, food trucks, and free yoga classes. The location has, of course, moved from Jamiah’s backyard to the Seeds of Carver Community Garden.
The members of Crop Swap help their neighbors begin their own gardens, led by expert landscape gardener Brendan Wilson.
Crop Swap’s goal is to use every available are of West Adams to grow food, whether it’s in containers on business rooftops, in parking lots, on front lawns, wherever. The aim is to make this so-called food desert into a vibrant and healthy community with resident involvement and companionship.
More About Jamiah
Jamiah grew up in a military family, to which he acclaims his natural openness to people. “This is important because our food movement is more versatile in the long run if we can adapt to the uniqueness in our population,” he said in an interview with Voyage LA.
He spent much of his professional life so far in finances, then he moved to Brazil to manage a social enterprise for rural agriculture, then he returned to Columbia University, then he became an executive search headhunter to find people for different educative roles. “This became excellent training for what I’m doing now, which requires me to build out a team, delegate those rules, and ensure that everyone is the right person for the right task. “My journey has helped me learn new skills and experiences that help me with the West Adams Crop Swap.”
How to Participate in Crop Swap LA
If you’re interested in joining the swap, here are a few things you should know.
Crop Swap LA values the importance of not only organic food but nutrient grown food. They believe in high quality to fulfill people’s nutritional needs. On their website, they describe their ideal produce as:
“Enriched, and tested soil, for perfect mineral and nutrient composition” “Free of pesticides or any GMO seed usage” “Cared-for with methods described by biochemist and horticulturist Dr. Jana Bogs”
As they claim: “Grown this way, veggies and fruit are easier to ingest into the body, provide us with nutrients we need and will last longer in your refrigerator.”
The organization also stresses the importance of rainwater harvest in Los Angeles’s dry climate. This system involves capturing rainwater for future irrigation use as a sustainable way of preserving water.
“Nature offers an abundance of chances to regain control of our food, money, social habits, and environment,” the website states.
Finding a Sense of Community
While Jamiah is now recognized as the founder and sometimes “the Crop Swap guy,” his connection with his new community is his most valued aspect of this organization.
“Individualism can only get you so far. When you work together, you’re undefeatable,” he says. [4]
Keep Reading: Want to Help Bees? Leave the Dandelions Alone This Spring


theheartysoul--2020-03-21--These Schools Voted To Bring Back Paddling For Kids That Misbehave

As most parents know , disciplining even just one child can be hard enough , let alone a whole room full of them .
This is the daily reality of school teachers , who have to somehow remain in control of a classroom of up to thirty or more kids every day of their working lives .
Discipline is one of the greatest challenges schools face , and over the years there have been different strategies used to keep students in line .
For many years , the use of physical punishment , such as hitting or whipping students , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but in the last few decades has been replaced by punishments that are less violent .
Not too long ago , however , a few schools in Texas have reintroduced the antiquated method .
Read : Children Need Structure More Than Warmth , Says Child Psychologist In 2017 , three schools in Texas reintroduced corporal punishment to discipline their students .
Under the new policy , staff in the Three Rivers School District are able to use a wooden paddle to beat disobedient students , administering one paddling for each misdemeanor .
Parents @ @ @ @ @ @ @ whether or not they consent to have the punishment used on their child .
Andrew Amara , the school ’ s campus behavior coordinator , was paddled when he was a student , a punishment he says worked on him .
He hopes that this change will be a more effective punishment than detention for children between the ages of four and twelve .
This policy , which was agreed upon unanimously by the board of trustees , only allows behavior coordinators and the principal to use the paddle on students .
At @ @ @ @ @ @ @ staff was going to be tracking the number of discipline referrals that were made and compare that to the numbers from the previous year .
If the number went down , they will have considered the policy to be a success [ 1 ] .
According to the National Association of School Psychologists , corporal punishment is defined as “ the intentional infliction of pain or discomfort and/or the use of physical force upon a student with the intention of causing the student to experience bodily pain so as to correct or punish @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 1 ] .
But is this form of punishment effective ?
The science says no- and it can cause damage in children beyond physical discomfort .
Research has determined that children who were subjected to “ normal ” amounts of physical punishment when they were young often demonstrated higher levels of aggressive behavior when they got older .
These children also showed higher rates of delinquency and spousal assault later in life [ 2 ] .
This is because corporal punishment models aggressive behavior , which teaches children to solve problems with violence @ @ @ @ @ @ @ other behaviors that rely on having power over someone else [ 3 ] .
A study in the journal Pediatrics reported that harsh physical punishment such as spanking , pushing , grabbing , and paddling was associated with an increased instance of mood disorders , anxiety disorders , substance abuse , and personality disorders .
This holds true regardless of whether or not the kind of punishment was considered child abuse- it still placed children at a higher risk for mental illness [ 4 ] .
Sandra Graham-Bermann , Ph.D. , a psychology @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Violence and Trauma Laboratory at the University of Michigan , says that while corporal punishment may appear to stop problematic behavior initially , it only makes things worse in the long run [ 5 ] .
A 2009 study concluded that young adults who are exposed to harsh corporal punishment ( HCP ) have a negative effect on their brain development , and actually decreases the amount of grey matter in the prefrontal cortex of their brains .
There is a significant correlation between grey matter in this area and a child ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 6 ] .
Grey matter is the key to your brain ’ s ability to learning self-control , and the more grey matter you have , the better you are at evaluating rewards and consequences .
So the more children are hit as a form of punishment , the less self-control they have [ 7 ] .
Elizabeth Gershoff , an associate professor at the University of Texas at Austin , is the leading researcher on spanking in the United States .
In her fifteen years of work , she has never found @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : Toddlers , Meltdowns and Brain Development : Why Parents Need To Ditch Traditional Discipline Corporal Punishment Still Used in the United States Despite the large body of evidence that disproves that efficacy of corporal punishment , it is still used in nineteen states across the country .
The most recent data available on the subject is from 2016 , which found that more than 160 thousand children were disciplined using corporal punishment in public schools in the 2013-2014 school year .
The research also found that black children , boys , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be subjected to physical punishment than their peers [ 8 ] .
In 2016 , then-US Secretary of Education John B King Jr. asked state officials to ban the use of corporal punishment in schools , citing that is as ineffective as it is dnagerous to the mental and emotional well-being of our children .
Current Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos has not revealed her stance , but as the science suggests , it is clear that there is no place for violence in our school system , and corporal punishment should be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Reading : The Era of Spanking has Ended

As most parents know, disciplining even just one child can be hard enough, let alone a whole room full of them. This is the daily reality of school teachers, who have to somehow remain in control of a classroom of up to thirty or more kids every day of their working lives.
Child discipline is one of the greatest challenges schools face, and over the years there have been different strategies used to keep students in line. For many years, the use of physical punishment, such as hitting or whipping students, was common in schoolhouses across America, but in the last few decades has been replaced by punishments that are less violent.
Not too long ago, however, a few schools in Texas have reintroduced the antiquated method.
Schools in Texas Reintroduce Paddling Students as a form of Corporal Punishment
In 2017, three schools in Texas reintroduced corporal punishment to discipline children. Under the new policy, staff in the Three Rivers School District are able to use a wooden paddle to beat disobedient students, administering one paddling for each misdemeanor. Parents are asked at the time of enrollment whether or not they consent to have the punishment used on their child.
“If the parent is not comfortable with it, that’s the end of the discussion”, said Three Rivers Independent Schools District Superintendent Mary Springs [1].
Andrew Amara, the school’s campus behavior coordinator, was paddled when he was a student, a punishment he says worked on him. He hopes that this change will be a more effective punishment than detention for children between the ages of four and twelve.
“It was an immediate response for me,” he said. “I knew that if I got in trouble with a teacher and I was disrespectful, whatever the infraction was, I knew I was going to get a swat by the principal.” [1]
This policy, which was agreed upon unanimously by the board of trustees, only allows behavior coordinators and the principal to use the paddle on students. At the time it was approved, the staff was going to be tracking the number of child discipline referrals that were made and compare that to the numbers from the previous year. If the number went down, they will have considered the policy to be a success [1].
Is paddling students or other forms of Corporal Punishment Effective in Schools?
According to the National Association of School Psychologists, corporal punishment is defined as “the intentional infliction of pain or discomfort and/or the use of physical force upon a student with the intention of causing the student to experience bodily pain so as to correct or punish the student’s behavior” [1].
But is this form of punishment effective? The science says no- and it can cause damage in children beyond physical discomfort.
Research has determined that children who were subjected to “normal” amounts of physical punishment when they were young often demonstrated higher levels of aggressive behavior when they got older. These children also showed higher rates of delinquency and spousal assault later in life [2].
This is because corporal punishment models aggressive behavior, which teaches children to solve problems with violence. This can lead to bullying and other behaviors that rely on having power over someone else [3].
A study in the journal Pediatrics reported that harsh physical punishment such as spanking, pushing, grabbing, and paddling was associated with an increased instance of mood disorders, anxiety disorders, substance abuse, and personality disorders.
This holds true regardless of whether or not the kind of punishment was considered child abuse- it still placed children at a higher risk for mental illness [4].
Not a Long Term Solution
Sandra Graham-Bermann, Ph.D., a psychology professor and principal investigator for the Child Violence and Trauma Laboratory at the University of Michigan, says that while corporal punishment may appear to stop problematic behavior initially, it only makes things worse in the long run [5].
A 2009 study concluded that young adults who are exposed to harsh corporal punishment (HCP) have a negative effect on their brain development, and actually decreases the amount of grey matter in the prefrontal cortex of their brains. There is a significant correlation between grey matter in this area and a child’s performance on an IQ test [6].
Grey matter is the key to your brain’s ability to learning self-control, and the more grey matter you have, the better you are at evaluating rewards and consequences. The more children are hit as a form of punishment, the less self-control they have [7].
Elizabeth Gershoff, an associate professor at the University of Texas at Austin, is the leading researcher on spanking in the United States. In her fifteen years of work, she has never found a positive consequence of spanking.
“Most of us will stop what we’re doing if somebody hits us,” she said. “But that doesn’t mean we’ve learned why somebody hit us, or what we should be doing instead, which is the real motive behind discipline.” [7]
Read: 2-year-olds aren’t terrible—they’re just learning how to be human
Corporal Punishment Still Used in the United States
Despite the large body of evidence that disproves that efficacy of corporal punishment, it is still used in nineteen states across the country.
The most recent data available on the subject is from 2016, which found that more than 160 thousand children were disciplined using corporal punishment in public schools in the 2013-2014 school year. The research also found that black children, boys, and children with disabilities were more likely to be subjected to physical punishment than their peers [8].
In 2016, then-US Secretary of Education John B King Jr. asked state officials to ban the use of corporal punishment in schools, citing that is as ineffective as it is dnagerous to the mental and emotional well-being of our children.
“No school can be considered safe or supportive if its students are fearful of being physically punished,” he said [1].
Current Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos has not revealed her stance, but as the science suggests, it is clear that there is no place for violence in our school system, and corporal punishment should be made illegal across the country.
Keep Reading: People Love This Mom’s Defiant Poem About Breastfeeding
Sources:
“Texas schools bring back corporal punishment for bad behaviour.” Independent. Charlotte Beale. July 23, 2017. “Physical punishment of children: lessons from 20 years of research.” NCBI. Joan Durrant, et al. September 2012. “Facts About Corporal Punishment.” Very Well Family. Amy Morin, LCSW. August 7, 2020. “Physical Punishment and Mental Disorders: Results From a Nationally Representative US Sample.” Pediatrics. Tracie O. Afifi, et al. August 2012. “What Science Says About Using Physical Force To Punish A Child.” Huffington Post. Jessica Samakow. September 18, 2014. “Reduced Prefrontal Cortical Gray Matter Volume in Young Adults Exposed to Harsh Corporal Punishment.” NCBI. Akemi Tomoda, et al. August 2010. “Spanking the gray matter out of our kids.” CNN. Sarah Kovac. July 23, 2014. “Corporal punishment is still legal (and used) in US public schools in 19 states.” Science Daily. October 5, 2016.
Editor’s Note: This article was originally published in March 2020 on The Hearty Soul. It has been published here with permission.


theheartysoul--2020-03-24--Secretive Energy Startup Backed by Bill Gates Achieves Solar Breakthrough.

Finding clean energy sources is a hot topic nowadays .
As pollution intensifies and the need for sustainable energy increases , many entrepreneurs and activists have worked to create more planet-friendly resources .
Then Heliogen stepped onto the scene , a top-secret startup backed by Bill Gates .
Heliogen is a clean energy company that announced itself in November 2019 , claiming they have discovered a way to optimize artificial intelligence and a field of mirrors to produce enough sunlight to generate over 1,000-degree heat ( Celsius ) .
In summary , Heliogen has manufactured a solar oven that can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of what you would find on the surface of the sun .
In terms of sustainable energy , this means that concentrated solar energy can generate the heat required to produce steel , glass , cement , and other material .
This process could help take the place of fossil fuels and large carbon emissions in these industries .
[ 1 ] Bill Gates isn ’ t the only billionaire backing Heliogen ; Los Angeles Times owner Patrick Soon-Shiong also supports this startup .
He believes that the patented technology will be able @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Take cement , for example ; according to the International Energy Agency , it accounts for seven percent of global carbon dioxide emissions .
Read : ‘ Anti-Solar ’ Cells Could Keep the Power Going at Night While traditional solar uses panels on rooftops to capture the sun ’ s energy , Heliogen is creating what they call concentrated solar power using mirrors to reflect the sun .
Concentrated solar power isn ’ t a new creation ; it has been used previously to make electricity , and sometimes heat for manufacturers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to generate power for drilling for oil .
However , this kind of concentrated solar power couldn ’ t support temperatures hot enough to produce steel and cement .
Heliogen improved the concentrated solar power method since then using their mirror system , but there is another large component of their process .
Read : Microalgae System Turns Pollution Into Oxygen Equivalent To More Than 300 Trees The world is always in need of materials like cement and steel .
For example , cement is needed to build anything from homes to schools @ @ @ @ @ @ @ produce over one-fifth of global emissions without much growth into renewable energy sources — until now .
This is why this startup has caught the attention of the co-founder of Microsoft ( MSFT ) and one of the world ’ s richest people , Bill Gates .
“ Today , industrial processes like those used to make cement , steel , and other materials are responsible for more than a fifth of all emissions , ” said Gates .
“ These materials are everywhere in our lives but we don ’ t have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ affordable , zero-carbon versions of them .
If we ’ re going to get to zero carbon emissions overall , we have a lot of inventing to do .
“ I ’ m pleased to have been an early backer of Bill Gross ’ s novel solar concentration technology .
Its capacity to achieve the high temperatures required for these processes is a promising development in the quest to one day replace fossil fuel.
” [ 2 ] This is where the other component of this concentrated solar system comes in : artificial @ @ @ @ @ @ @ concentrated solar systems do — padding the technology with steel to make it stiffer — Heliogen optimizes computer vision software , automatic edge detection , and other kinds of precise technology to cause the field of mirrors to reflect sun rays to a more pinpointed area .
Heliogen claims to be generating so much heat , this technology can one day be used to produce clean hydrogen at scale .
Carbon-free hydrogen can be the future fuel for vehicles like airplanes and trucks .
Until then , the company is focusing on its @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Scientists Create Liquid Fuel That Can Store The Sun ’ s Energy For Up to 18 Years Solar energy has its obvious limitation ; namely , it can not be harnessed when the sun isn ’ t shining , yet industries need constant heat to manufacture their materials .
Heliogen stated they would create storage systems to rely on during these time periods , quite literally “ saving it for a rainy day.
” For now , Heliogen is demonstrating this technology for large-scale applications , such as using it in large industries @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Heliogen would most probably be ready to go public .
All of this requires funding , and Soon-Shiong plans to invest more in the company .
Heliogen hasn ’ t publicized how much money they have raised so far .
The biggest issue Heliogen has yet to face is persuading companies to switch from fossil fuels to renewable energy and making the large financial investment involved .
Heliogen has been talking to potential customers behind the scenes and will hopefully reveal the first customer soon .
Keep Reading : Affordable Solar Homes Produce @ @ @ @ @ @

Finding clean energy sources is a hot topic nowadays. As pollution intensifies and the need for sustainable energy increases, many entrepreneurs and activists have worked to create more planet-friendly resources. Then Heliogen stepped onto the scene, a top-secret startup backed by Bill Gates. Heliogen is a clean energy company that announced itself in November 2019, claiming they have discovered a way to optimize artificial intelligence and a field of mirrors to produce enough sunlight to generate over 1,000-degree heat (Celsius).
In summary, Heliogen has manufactured a solar oven that can reach temperatures that are about a quarter of what you would find on the surface of the sun.
In terms of sustainable energy, this means that concentrated solar energy can generate the heat required to produce steel, glass, cement, and other material. This process could help take the place of fossil fuels and large carbon emissions in these industries. [1]
“We are rolling out technology that can beat the price of fossil fuels and also not make the CO2 emissions,” Bill Gross, Heliogen’s founder, and CEO. “And that’s really the holy grail.“
Bill Gates isn’t the only billionaire backing Heliogen; Los Angeles Times owner Patrick Soon-Shiong also supports this startup. He believes that the patented technology will be able to reduce greenhouse gases for these industries. Take cement, for example; according to the International Energy Agency, it accounts for seven percent of global carbon dioxide emissions.
“Bill and the team have truly now harnessed the sun,” said Soon-Shiong, who also sits on the Heliogen board. “The potential to humankind is enormous. … The potential to business is unfathomable.“
A New Kind of Solar Power
While traditional solar uses panels on rooftops to capture the sun’s energy, Heliogen is creating what they call concentrated solar power using mirrors to reflect the sun.
Concentrated solar power isn’t a new creation; it has been used previously to make electricity, and sometimes heat for manufacturers. It’s used in Oman to generate power for drilling for oil. However, this kind of concentrated solar power couldn’t support temperatures hot enough to produce steel and cement.
“You’ve ended up with technologies that can’t really deliver super-heated systems,” said Olav Junttila, partner at Greentech Capital Advisors — a clean energy investment bank that has aided concentrated solar companies previously.
Heliogen improved the concentrated solar power method since then using their mirror system, but there is another large component of their process.
Read: Microalgae System Turns Pollution Into Oxygen Equivalent To More Than 300 Trees
Artificial Intelligence Fighting Climate Change
The world is always in need of materials like cement and steel. For example, cement is needed to build anything from homes to schools to hospitals. However, these industries produce over one-fifth of global emissions without much growth into renewable energy sources — until now. This is why this startup has caught the attention of the co-founder of Microsoft (MSFT) and one of the world’s richest people, Bill Gates.
“Today, industrial processes like those used to make cement, steel, and other materials are responsible for more than a fifth of all emissions,” said Gates. “These materials are everywhere in our lives but we don’t have any proven breakthroughs that will give us affordable, zero-carbon versions of them. If we’re going to get to zero carbon emissions overall, we have a lot of inventing to do. “I’m pleased to have been an early backer of Bill Gross’s novel solar concentration technology. Its capacity to achieve the high temperatures required for these processes is a promising development in the quest to one day replace fossil fuel.” [2]
This is where the other component of this concentrated solar system comes in: artificial intelligence.
Instead of doing what other concentrated solar systems do — padding the technology with steel to make it stiffer — Heliogen optimizes computer vision software, automatic edge detection, and other kinds of precise technology to cause the field of mirrors to reflect sun rays to a more pinpointed area.
“If you take a thousand mirrors and have them align exactly to a single point, you can achieve extremely, extremely high temperatures,” Gross said. He added that Heliogen made its breakthrough on the very first day the plant was turned on.
Heliogen claims to be generating so much heat, this technology can one day be used to produce clean hydrogen at scale. Carbon-free hydrogen can be the future fuel for vehicles like airplanes and trucks.
“If you can make hydrogen that’s green, that’s a gamechanger,” Gross said. “Long term, we want to be the green hydrogen company.” [3]
Until then, the company is focusing on its innovative solar energy production.
Read: Scientists Create Liquid Fuel That Can Store The Sun’s Energy For Up to 18 Years
“An Existential Issue”
Solar energy has its obvious limitation; namely, it cannot be harnessed when the sun isn’t shining, yet industries need constant heat to manufacture their materials. Heliogen stated they would create storage systems to rely on during these time periods, quite literally “saving it for a rainy day.”
For now, Heliogen is demonstrating this technology for large-scale applications, such as using it in large industries like cement. After this application, Heliogen would most probably be ready to go public.
“We’re in a race. We just want to scale as fast as possible,” Gross said.
All of this requires funding, and Soon-Shiong plans to invest more in the company. Heliogen hasn’t publicized how much money they have raised so far.
“This is an existential issue for your children, for my children and our grandchildren,” said Soon-Shiong.
The biggest issue Heliogen has yet to face is persuading companies to switch from fossil fuels to renewable energy and making the large financial investment involved. Heliogen has been talking to potential customers behind the scenes and will hopefully reveal the first customer soon.
“If we go to a cement company and say we’ll give you green heat, no CO2, but we’ll also save you money, then it becomes a no-brainer,” Gross said on CNN Business. [4]
Keep Reading: Affordable Solar Homes Produce as Much Energy as They Use


Opalized Petrified Wood

Imagine you are walking on your favorite trail or through your local park , when you notice a tree stump that looks different from the rest .
This stump looks like it ’ s covered in a beautiful rock , maybe even… a precious gem ?
That can ’ t be real , can it ?
What you are seeing is real and can happen : What you are looking at is opalized wood .
Opalized wood is a type of petrified wood that is made of , you guessed it , opal .
Most often it is made of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in look and color .
In some rare cases , however , precious opal is formed .
When this happens , the tree stump will be covered in the gorgeous , shiny , colorful precious opal .
( 1 , 2 ) Read : Volcanic Eruption in Hawaii Has Left Behind Beautiful Green Gemstones Opal forms in the cavities of rocks .
In tree stumps , often these cavities are formed because bones , pine cones , rocks , or even small animals are buried into them .
Those items eventually become rock @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The opal forms a fossilized replica of that object .
( 1 ) In order to form the opalized fossil , silica has to be present .
Silica water then fills in whatever gaps there are and hardens , creating opal .
There are two types of opalized fossils ( 1 ) : • Unpreserved internal details : The silica solution fills in the cavity in the wood and forms an opalized cast of the object that created the cavity in the first place .
In this case , the outside is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rotted away .
• Preserved internal details : If somehow the organic material causing the cavity has not rotted , the silica solution can then create a replicated fossil of the internal structure as well .
This is what happens with wood or bone .
Forests buried by volcanic ash .
This is because the ash not only preserves the items it buries , but it also is a high source of silica .
Thanks to volcanic ash there are large concentrations of opalized wood in Brazil , Russia , Indonesia , Mexico @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
( 2 ) While there can be opalized wood that has turned into precious opal , they are quite rare .
In most cases , however , opalized wood does not become precious opal .
This means a few things ( 2 ) : • It is not highly valuable ( if it is precious opal , then it will be . )
• It is less durable .
• It has a lower hardness and is more susceptible to abrasion .
• It has lower tenacity and is likely to break @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
• Less suitable for jewelry and other products .
Whether it ’ s precious opal or not , opalized wood is still pretty cool to see .
If you ever get the chance to see some , take lots of photos !
You never know when you will have another opportunity .
Keep Reading : Ancient tree with record of Earth ’ s magnetic field reversal in its rings discovered

Imagine you are walking on your favorite trail or through your local park, when you notice a tree stump that looks different from the rest.
This stump looks like it’s covered in a beautiful rock, maybe even… a precious gem? That can’t be real, can it?
What you are seeing is real and can happen: What you are looking at is opalized wood.
What is opalized wood?
Opalized wood is a type of petrified wood that is made of, you guessed it, opal. Most often it is made of common opal and is therefore still tree-like in look and color. In some rare cases, however, precious opal is formed. When this happens, the tree stump will be covered in the gorgeous, shiny, colorful precious opal. (1, 2)
How is wood opal formed?
Opal forms in the cavities of rocks. In tree stumps, often these cavities are formed because bones, pine cones, rocks, or even small animals are buried into them. Those items eventually become rock and create prime conditions for opal formation. The opal forms a fossilized replica of that object. (1)
In order to form the opalized fossil, silica has to be present. Silica water then fills in whatever gaps there are and hardens, creating opal. There are two types of opalized fossils (1):
Unpreserved internal details: The silica solution fills in the cavity in the wood and forms an opalized cast of the object that created the cavity in the first place. In this case, the outside is preserved by the inside has long since rotted away. Preserved internal details: If somehow the organic material causing the cavity has not rotted, the silica solution can then create a replicated fossil of the internal structure as well. This is what happens with wood or bone.
Forests buried by volcanic ash. This is because the ash not only preserves the items it buries, but it also is a high source of silica. Thanks to volcanic ash there are large concentrations of opalized wood in Brazil, Russia, Indonesia, Mexico, Arizona, Wyoming, and Oregon. (2)
Differences between opalized wood and precious opal
While there can be opalized wood that has turned into precious opal, they are quite rare. In most cases, however, opalized wood does not become precious opal. This means a few things (2):
It is not highly valuable (if it is precious opal, then it will be.)
It is less durable.
It has a lower hardness and is more susceptible to abrasion.
It has lower tenacity and is likely to break if dropped or put under high stress.
Less suitable for jewelry and other products.
Whether it’s precious opal or not, opalized wood is still pretty cool to see. If you ever get the chance to see some, take lots of photos! You never know when you will have another opportunity.
Keep Reading: Ancient tree with record of Earth’s magnetic field reversal in its rings discovered


theheartysoul--2020-03-24--Should all children learn sign language?

Imagine the excitement you would feel on the day your baby brother is being born .
Not only can you not wait to meet them , but your head begins to fill with ideas about all the fun things you will do together as you get older .
Now imagine being told that your new baby brother sustained serious brain damage during the birthing process and will most likely never be able to communicate with you .
This is the news that Jade Kilduff received shortly after the birth of her brother Christian .
She refused to give up on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ two of them have achieved is nothing short of spectacular .
A different way to communicate Christian Kilduff was born with Non-verbal Cerebral Palsy .
Jade decided to learn sign language and teach it to her brother so that they can communicate .
( 1 ) “ At first we were told he would never be able to communicate or even understand what we were saying.
” Jade explained to The Daily Mail UK .
“ As he got older he would be frustrated because he wanted to tell us what he wanted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ him get so upset.
” ( 1 ) Now she is 17 and Christian is 4 , and they have a YouTube channel called Sign Along With Us where they sign along to popular songs to spread awareness and teach others sign language .
( 1 ) Since their first video the pair have become an internet sensation with people tuning in from all over the world .
( 1 ) Read : Nurse Places Dying Newborn next To Her Twin , Ends up Giving Her a Hug That Saves Her Life Using @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to have sign language be taught in elementary schools .
So far , she has over 100,000 signatures .
( 2 ) Her idea is to have all students learn a “ sign of the day ” using Makaton , an online language program that uses symbols , signs , and speech to enable all people to communicate .
( 3 ) Learning sign language has so many positive outcomes , and not just for the person unable to speak and/or hear ( 5 ) : • Growing usage – you will be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ • Boosts the brain – bilingualism is good for the health of your brain .
Learning sign language has the same brain-boosting effects : • Marketability – This is a fantastic skill for your resume and makes you stand out among other job applicants .
If children are taught sign language from a young age in school , the world will be a more open and accessible place for everyone .
So why not add it to all school curricula ?
If you would like to sign Jades petition , click here !
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Father for Four Years after His Death Gets a Reply from a Man Who Lost His Daughter

Imagine the excitement you would feel on the day your baby brother is being born. Not only can you not wait to meet them, but your head begins to fill with ideas about all the fun things you will do together as you get older.
Now imagine being told that your new baby brother sustained serious brain damage during the birthing process and will most likely never be able to communicate with you.
This is the news that Jade Kilduff received shortly after the birth of her brother Christian. She refused to give up on her little brother, and what the two of them have achieved is nothing short of spectacular.
A different way to communicate
Christian Kilduff was born with Non-verbal Cerebral Palsy. Jade decided to learn sign language and teach it to her brother so that they can communicate. (1)
“At first we were told he would never be able to communicate or even understand what we were saying.” Jade explained to The Daily Mail UK. “As he got older he would be frustrated because he wanted to tell us what he wanted so it would be frustrating to see him get so upset.” (1)
Now she is 17 and Christian is 4, and they have a YouTube channel called Sign Along With Us where they sign along to popular songs to spread awareness and teach others sign language. (1)
Since their first video the pair have become an internet sensation with people tuning in from all over the world. (1)
Read: Nurse Places Dying Newborn next To Her Twin, Ends up Giving Her a Hug That Saves Her Life
Fame for a good cause
Using their newfound celebrity, Jade is campaigning to have sign language be taught in elementary schools. So far, she has over 100,000 signatures.(2)
Her idea is to have all students learn a “sign of the day” using Makaton, an online language program that uses symbols, signs, and speech to enable all people to communicate. (3)
The benefits of learning sign language
Learning sign language has so many positive outcomes, and not just for the person unable to speak and/or hear (5):
Growing usage – you will be better able to communicate with others.
– you will be better able to communicate with others. Boosts the brain – bilingualism is good for the health of your brain. Learning sign language has the same brain-boosting effects: Higher abstract and creative thinking skills. Better at problem-solving. Greater cognitive flexibility. Improved listening skills. Higher academic achievement.
– bilingualism is good for the health of your brain. Learning sign language has the same brain-boosting effects: Marketability – This is a fantastic skill for your resume and makes you stand out among other job applicants.
If children are taught sign language from a young age in school, the world will be a more open and accessible place for everyone. So why not add it to all school curricula?
If you would like to sign Jades petition, click here!


theheartysoul--2020-03-25--How To Build A Straw Bale Garden

How To Build A Straw Bale Garden

Gardening is a great hobby .
You get to spend time outside , it ’ s good exercise for you , and at the end of the growing season , you get beautiful , delicious vegetables !
There are some pros and cons to consider before you run out and grab your straw bales !
Pro : You can garden anywhere One of the best things about straw bale gardening is that you can do it anywhere .
Not everyone has a huge yard that they can dig up for an expansive garden .
Some of us have small yards @ @ @ @ @ @ @ small spaces .
It is not recommended that you straw bale garden on wood surfaces .
Straw bale gardens are compact and can be placed anywhere that gets full sunlight .
They can be placed on roofs but be careful .
When watered , they can get very heavy .
Ensure that your roof is strong enough to handle straw bales that can weigh upwards of a couple hundred pounds .
Straw bale gardening is a great option for seniors in particular who may not want to go through the hassle of building @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stand a foot or two off the ground , you don ’ t need to hunch and kneel down quite so much when gardening .
Straw bale gardens are also tall enough to be accessible to individuals in wheel chairs .
You can pick up a straw bale from a local feed store or garden center usually for between $ 5 and $ 15 , making them an extremely economical gardening choice .
Straw bale gardening works wonders .
If you make sure to water and fertilize properly , you ’ ll grow @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , there are straw seeds as well as the seeds of other plants bundled in your straw bale .
Once you ’ ve watered them for a bit , the seeds may begin to sprout .
It isn ’ t hard to simply pull these sprouts as they come up , but it is worth taking into consideration that straw bale gardening isn ’ t a completely weed-free experience .
When the season comes to a close , your straw bales will be worse for the wear .
They ’ ll likely be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ possibly even molding .
Your bales can definitely be composted , but they can definitely be a little bit unsightly during the process Even when dry , straw bales can weigh quite a bit .
Moving them around is a bit of a challenge , especially if you lack a strong back or have pre-existing injuries that would make it difficult to lift more than 20-30 pounds .
Ask for assistance with your garden if you ’ re not sure you ’ re strong enough to move your bales into gardening position .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ and herbicides Finally , we recommend seeking out straw bales that are grown organically , meaning no chemical pesticides or herbicides .
Conventionally grown straw can bring these chemicals to your home , possibly harming your vegetables ’ ability to grow strong and healthy .
These chemicals do your compost heap a disservice too and , if you do get vegetables to grow , they can harm you as well !
Straw bale gardening is a rewarding experience and a great way to grow vegetables and herbs .
As we ’ ve mentioned @ @ @ @ @ @ @ body , inexpensive , and they work great for growing vegetables .
But before you rush out and grab your first straw bales , there are a few tips you should keep in mind .
• Don ’ t make the mistake of using a hay bale for your straw bale garden .
Hay bales will have tons of seeds , making weeding a huge challenge for your garden .
• Make sure you have a spot in your yard with full sun .
This will help your vegetables grow .
• Avoid @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , in your straw bale garden .
The bales will be fairly heavy once watered , but tall plants can easily topple a straw bale in a high wind situation .
First , place your straw bales where you want them and make sure that the sheared side is facing up .
One side of the bale should look folded over , the other should look sheared off .
Once you ’ ve set your bales up where you want them , spread an all-purpose fertilizer over the tops of your bales .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ give your bales a thorough watering , allowing the fertilizer to seep into the bales .
Repeat the process of adding fertilizer and watering for several days .
Once this process has ended , add a 3 inch later of potting soil and compost to the tops of the bales .
Follow planting guidelines for your vegetables , ensuring that you aren ’ t planting too close together or improperly .
Once planted , regularly water your straw bale garden .
This could mean every day , especially if you have hot summers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , allowing them to dry out easily .
Once your season is over , toss your straw bales into a compost heap to make fresh , new , fertile soil for your next year ’ s garden !

Gardening is a great hobby. You get to spend time outside, it’s good exercise for you, and at the end of the growing season, you get beautiful, delicious vegetables! Building a straw bale garden is a great way to start a garden just about anywhere. There are some pros and cons to consider before you run out and grab your straw bales!
Pro: You can garden anywhere
One of the best things about straw bale gardening is that you can do it anywhere. Not everyone has a huge yard that they can dig up for an expansive garden. Some of us have small yards, patios, and balconies – very small spaces. It is not recommended that you straw bale garden on wood surfaces. Straw bale gardens are compact and can be placed anywhere that gets full sunlight. They can be placed on roofs but be careful. When watered, they can get very heavy. Ensure that your roof is strong enough to handle straw bales that can weigh upwards of a couple hundred pounds.
Pro: It’s easier on your body
Straw bale gardening is a great option for seniors in particular who may not want to go through the hassle of building raised wooden beds. Because straw bales stand a foot or two off the ground, you don’t need to hunch and kneel down quite so much when gardening. Straw bale gardens are also tall enough to be accessible to individuals in wheel chairs.
Pro: Straw bales are inexpensive
You can pick up a straw bale from a local feed store or garden center usually for between $5 and $15, making them an extremely economical gardening choice.
Pro: They grow great veggies!
Straw bale gardening works wonders. If you make sure to water and fertilize properly, you’ll grow a regular bounty!
Con: Straw bales may eventually sprout unwanted weeds
In all likelihood, there are straw seeds as well as the seeds of other plants bundled in your straw bale. Once you’ve watered them for a bit, the seeds may begin to sprout. It isn’t hard to simply pull these sprouts as they come up, but it is worth taking into consideration that straw bale gardening isn’t a completely weed-free experience.
Con: Straw bales are difficult to compost
When the season comes to a close, your straw bales will be worse for the wear. They’ll likely be a bit soggy, falling apart, possibly even molding. Your bales can definitely be composted, but they can definitely be a little bit unsightly during the process
Con: Wet straw bales weigh a lot
Even when dry, straw bales can weigh quite a bit. Moving them around is a bit of a challenge, especially if you lack a strong back or have pre-existing injuries that would make it difficult to lift more than 20-30 pounds. Ask for assistance with your garden if you’re not sure you’re strong enough to move your bales into gardening position.
Con: Straw bales may contain pesticides and herbicides
Finally, we recommend seeking out straw bales that are grown organically, meaning no chemical pesticides or herbicides. Conventionally grown straw can bring these chemicals to your home, possibly harming your vegetables’ ability to grow strong and healthy. These chemicals do your compost heap a disservice too and, if you do get vegetables to grow, they can harm you as well!
How to build a straw bale garden
Straw bale gardening is a rewarding experience and a great way to grow vegetables and herbs. As we’ve mentioned, it’s easier on your body, inexpensive, and they work great for growing vegetables. But before you rush out and grab your first straw bales, there are a few tips you should keep in mind.
Don’t make the mistake of using a hay bale for your straw bale garden. Hay bales will have tons of seeds, making weeding a huge challenge for your garden. Make sure you have a spot in your yard with full sun. This will help your vegetables grow. Avoid planting very tall plants, like sunflowers, in your straw bale garden. The bales will be fairly heavy once watered, but tall plants can easily topple a straw bale in a high wind situation.
Setting up a straw bale garden is pretty simple.
First, place your straw bales where you want them and make sure that the sheared side is facing up. One side of the bale should look folded over, the other should look sheared off. Once you’ve set your bales up where you want them, spread an all-purpose fertilizer over the tops of your bales.
Once you’ve spread fertilizer, give your bales a thorough watering, allowing the fertilizer to seep into the bales. Repeat the process of adding fertilizer and watering for several days. Once this process has ended, add a 3 inch later of potting soil and compost to the tops of the bales.
Now you’re ready to plant!
Follow planting guidelines for your vegetables, ensuring that you aren’t planting too close together or improperly. Once planted, regularly water your straw bale garden. This could mean every day, especially if you have hot summers. Moisture will readily escape the bales, allowing them to dry out easily.
Once your season is over, toss your straw bales into a compost heap to make fresh, new, fertile soil for your next year’s garden!
Before you start your straw bale garden, consider these 5 common problems with straw bale gardens.


theheartysoul--2020-03-25--How to Crochet Lovely Feather Free Crochet Patterns

Contrary to what most people think , crocheting is not merely a pass-time for elderly people or a skill you ’ re forced to learn in Home Economics .
It ’ s one of the most enjoyable hobbies anyone can ever take up , and a great skill to learn in these trying times .
While we ’ re all sitting at home trying to stay safe the COVID-19 outbreak , either working or having way too much time on our hands , it wouldn ’ t hurt to learn how to make something beautiful – and wildly satisfying .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ From bags , blankets , shirts , sweaters , mittens , and hats , you can make anything you want .
Tiny decorative items such as feathers can be embroidered onto clothes or other items .
I have dozens of feather-light wool sweaters and socks from my childhood , all crocheted by my grandmother .
And you know the best thing ?
Crocheting is as easy as anything you ’ ve ever tried .
While most people tend to stick to their comfort zones and crochet only straight-cut items , there ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
You can make pretty little feathers to sew onto your children ’ s clothes , blankets , and pillowcases .
All you need is colorful yarn ( the more colors you have , the better ) , a 3mm crochet hook and a pair of scissors .
Here ’ s one of the best tutorial videos online for hand-done feather crocheting ( Spanish version subtitled in English ) .
Here ’ s a transcript of the steps in the video from Gava Crochet Love : Before you start reading , it ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ some acronyms and terms used if you ’ re completely new to crocheting .
Foundation : The foundation is the first single chain you ’ d make , often known as ‘ the game-changer ’ .
A poorly crocheted foundation , just like in a building , would give way to a crumbled piece of art .
Calamus : This is the lowest layer that will be worked outward from the foundation , and is often known as the ‘ root ’ of the item .
Foundation chain and the calamus : chain @ @ @ @ @ @ @ calamus , chain 1 , slip stitch in the next 6 chains , chain 7 .
Row 1 : chain 3 ( count as first dc ) , 2 dc in the same stitch , 1 dc in the next 3 chains , 1 dc3tog ( 3 dc together ) , 1 tr on the calamus , 1 dc3tog , 1 dc in the next 3 chains , 3 dc in the last chain .
From the following rows , all the dcs will be worked in the back loop only .
Row @ @ @ @ @ @ @ first dc ) , 2 dc in the same stitch , 1 dc in the next 3 stitches , 1 dc3tog ( 3 dc together ) , 1 fptr ( front post treble crochet ) , skip the treble chain of the previous row , 1 dc3tog , 1 dc in the next 3 stitches , 3 dc in the last dc .
Row 3 : chain 3 ( count as first dc ) , 2 dc in the same stitch , 1 dc in the next 3 stitches , 1 dc3tog ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( front post double treble crochet ) taking the tr from 2 previous rows , skip the treble chain of the previous row , 1 dc3tog , 1 dc in the next 3 stitches , 3 dc in the last dc .
Row 4 to 8 ( or 10 depends on how large you want your feather ) : repeat row 3 .
Row 1 : chain 3 ( count as first dc ) , 1 dc in the same stitch , 1 dc in the next 3 stitches , 1 dc3tog ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( front post double treble crochet ) taking the tr from 2 previous rows , skip the treble chain of the previous row , 1 dc3tog , 1 dc in the next 3 stitches , 2 dc in the last dc .
Row 2 : chain 3 ( count as first dc ) , 1 dc in the same stitch , 1 dc in the next 2 stitches , 1 dc3tog ( 3 dc together ) , 1 fpdtr ( front post double treble crochet ) taking the tr from 2 previous rows @ @ @ @ @ @ @ previous row , 1 dc3tog , 1 dc in the next 2 stitches , 2 dc in the last dc .
Row 3 : chain 3 ( count as first dc ) , 1 dc in the same stitch , 1 dc in the next stitch , 1 dc3tog ( 3 dc together ) , 1 fpdtr ( front post double treble crochet ) taking the tr from 2 previous rows , skip the treble chain of the previous row , 1 dc3tog , 1 dc in the next stitch , 2 dc @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : chain 3 ( count as first dc ) , 1 dc in the same stitch , 1 dc3tog ( 3 dc together ) ,1 fpdtr ( front post double treble crochet ) taking the tr from 2 previous rows , skip the treble chain of the previous row , 1 dc3tog , 2 dc in the last dc .
Row 5 : chain 3 ( count as first dc ) , 1 dc2tog ( 2 dc together ) ,1 fpdtr ( front post double treble crochet ) taking the tr from 2 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the previous row , 1 dc2tog , 1 dc in the last dc .
Row 6 ( all stitches will be finished together ) : chain 2 ( count as 1st unfinished dc ) , 1 dc2tog ,1 fpdtr ( front post double treble crochet ) taking the tr from 2 previous rows , skip the treble chain of the previous row , 1 dc2tog , you will have 5 loops in your hook to finished them together , chain 1 and fasten off and weave all the ends .

Contrary to what most people think, crocheting is not merely a pass-time for elderly people or a skill you’re forced to learn in Home Economics.
It’s one of the most enjoyable hobbies anyone can ever take up, and a great skill to learn in these trying times. While we’re all sitting at home trying to stay safe the COVID-19 outbreak, either working or having way too much time on our hands, it wouldn’t hurt to learn how to make something beautiful – and wildly satisfying.
Crocheted materials are just so lovely. From bags, blankets, shirts, sweaters, mittens, and hats, you can make anything you want. Tiny decorative items such as feathers can be embroidered onto clothes or other items. I have dozens of feather-light wool sweaters and socks from my childhood, all crocheted by my grandmother. And you know the best thing? Crocheting is as easy as anything you’ve ever tried.
Read: How to Make Mason Jar Patio Lights This Summer
While most people tend to stick to their comfort zones and crochet only straight-cut items, there’s no harm in trying out lovelier stuff. You can make pretty little feathers to sew onto your children’s clothes, blankets, and pillowcases.
All you need is colorful yarn (the more colors you have, the better), a 3mm crochet hook and a pair of scissors. Here’s one of the best tutorial videos online for hand-done feather crocheting (Spanish version subtitled in English).
Here’s a transcript of the steps in the video from Gava Crochet Love:
Before you start reading, it’s important to know the meaning of some acronyms and terms used if you’re completely new to crocheting.
Foundation: The foundation is the first single chain you’d make, often known as ‘the game-changer’. A poorly crocheted foundation, just like in a building, would give way to a crumbled piece of art.
Calamus: This is the lowest layer that will be worked outward from the foundation, and is often known as the ‘root’ of the item.
DC: Double crochet
Procedure:
Foundation chain and the calamus: chain 7, chain 6 to start the calamus, chain 1, slip stitch in the next 6 chains, chain 7.
Row 1: chain 3 (count as first dc), 2 dc in the same stitch, 1 dc in the next 3 chains, 1 dc3tog (3 dc together), 1 tr on the calamus, 1 dc3tog, 1 dc in the next 3 chains, 3 dc in the last chain.
From the following rows, all the dcs will be worked in the back loop only.
Row 2: chain 3 (count as first dc), 2 dc in the same stitch, 1 dc in the next 3 stitches, 1 dc3tog (3 dc together), 1 fptr (front post treble crochet), skip the treble chain of the previous row, 1 dc3tog, 1 dc in the next 3 stitches, 3 dc in the last dc.
Row 3: chain 3 (count as first dc), 2 dc in the same stitch, 1 dc in the next 3 stitches, 1 dc3tog (3 dc together), 1 fpdtr (front post double treble crochet) taking the tr from 2 previous rows, skip the treble chain of the previous row, 1 dc3tog, 1 dc in the next 3 stitches, 3 dc in the last dc.
Row 4 to 8 (or 10 depends on how large you want your feather): repeat row 3.
Read: Sashiko stitching: An Ancient Japanese Sewing Art that Allows You to Visibly Mend Your Clothes and Turn Them into Style
Decreasing rows:
Row 1: chain 3 (count as first dc), 1 dc in the same stitch, 1 dc in the next 3 stitches, 1 dc3tog (3 dc together), 1 fpdtr (front post double treble crochet) taking the tr from 2 previous rows, skip the treble chain of the previous row, 1 dc3tog, 1 dc in the next 3 stitches, 2 dc in the last dc.
Row 2: chain 3 (count as first dc), 1 dc in the same stitch, 1 dc in the next 2 stitches, 1 dc3tog (3 dc together), 1 fpdtr (front post double treble crochet) taking the tr from 2 previous rows, skip the treble chain of the previous row, 1 dc3tog, 1 dc in the next 2 stitches, 2 dc in the last dc.
Row 3: chain 3 (count as first dc), 1 dc in the same stitch, 1 dc in the next stitch, 1 dc3tog (3 dc together), 1 fpdtr (front post double treble crochet) taking the tr from 2 previous rows, skip the treble chain of the previous row, 1 dc3tog, 1 dc in the next stitch, 2 dc in the last dc.
Row 4: chain 3 (count as first dc), 1 dc in the same stitch, 1 dc3tog (3 dc together),1 fpdtr (front post double treble crochet) taking the tr from 2 previous rows, skip the treble chain of the previous row, 1 dc3tog, 2 dc in the last dc.
Row 5: chain 3 (count as first dc), 1 dc2tog (2 dc together),1 fpdtr (front post double treble crochet) taking the tr from 2 previous rows, skip the treble chain of the previous row, 1 dc2tog, 1 dc in the last dc.
Row 6 (all stitches will be finished together): chain 2 (count as 1st unfinished dc), 1 dc2tog ,1 fpdtr (front post double treble crochet) taking the tr from 2 previous rows, skip the treble chain of the previous row, 1 dc2tog, you will have 5 loops in your hook to finished them together, chain 1 and fasten off and weave all the ends.
Keep Reading: Volunteers Crochet Plastic Bags into Sleeping Mats for the Homeless.
Pretty Feather Free Crochet Patterns. Good Home Design. https://www.goodshomedesign.com/pretty-feather-free-crochet-patterns/. Retrieved 24-03-2020 Lisseth Jimenez. How to crochet patterns.


theheartysoul--2020-03-25--Watch: Giant Hole Sucks In Excess Storm Water In California Lake

Last year , Californians near Lake Berryessa reservoir , located 75 miles north of San Francisco , were treated to a rare sight : a so-called “ glory hole ” in the reservoir draining excess rain water .
It ’ s been described as an inverted fountain and , perhaps less gloriously , like a toilet being flushed .
No matter how you describe it , it ’ s an unusual sight to behold !
The glory hole is a 72 foot diameter , 200 foot deep circular pipe that was constructed in the corner of the reservoir to act @ @ @ @ @ @ @ water to be safely transported out of the reservoir and into a creek below the Monticello Dam that holds the reservoir in place .
In February of 2019 , California received very heavy rain for a number of weeks , causing the reservoir waters rise to unsafe levels .
The glory hole is not designed for frequent use , but it ’ s been needed two times in as many years .
Before that , it hadn ’ t been set into action since 2006 .
The spillway was constructed in 1957 for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ year .
When it was designed and constructed , the US Bureau of Reclamation thought that it would only be needed every 50 years or so .
But things on our planet are certainly changing .
Safe to view from a distance , but not up close The glory hole looks pretty daunting , and it ’ s safe to say that one shouldn ’ t get near it , especially while it ’ s allowing water to spill out of the reservoir .
It ’ s able to move 48,000 cubic feet @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reservoir , but has very little suction , meaning boats and other floating objects aren ’ t likely to be pulled into it – at least not very quickly .
But still , it is illegal for individuals to approach the glory hole .
Its proximity to the dam prohibits boaters from approaching the dam or the glory hole .
The glory hole did unfortunately claim one life , a swimmer named Emily Schwalen .
In 1997 , the 41 year old Davis , California resident was sucked into the spillway .
She @ @ @ @ @ @ @ side of the spillway for about 20 minutes before finally being swept inside .
Her body was found several hours later .
So while it ’ s a beautiful sight , it ’ s definitely better experienced from a safe distance than up close !

Last year, Californians near Lake Berryessa reservoir, located 75 miles north of San Francisco, were treated to a rare sight: a so-called “glory hole” in the reservoir draining excess rainwater. It’s been described as an inverted fountain and, perhaps less gloriously, like a toilet being flushed. No matter how you describe it, it’s an unusual sight to behold!
The glory hole is a 72-foot diameter, 200-foot deep circular pipe that was constructed in the corner of the reservoir to act as a spillway, allowing excess rainwater to be safely transported out of the reservoir and into a creek below the Monticello Dam that holds the reservoir in place.
In February of 2017, California received very heavy rain for a number of weeks, causing the reservoir waters to rise to unsafe levels. The glory hole is not designed for frequent use, but it’s been needed two times in as many years. Before that, it hadn’t been set into action since 2006.
Read: 11 natural phenomenons caught on camera that you won’t believe aren’t photoshopped
The spillway was constructed in 1957 for storm events like what California experienced last year. When it was designed and constructed, the US Bureau of Reclamation thought that it would only be needed every 50 years or so. But things on our planet are certainly changing.
Read: Woman Shares Photos of an Amazing Flower-Like Bug That Looks like A Work of Art
Safe to view from a distance, but not up close
The glory hole looks pretty daunting, and it’s safe to say that one shouldn’t get near it, especially while it’s allowing water to spill out of the reservoir. It’s able to move 48,000 cubic feet of water per second out of the reservoir, but has very little suction, meaning boats and other floating objects aren’t likely to be pulled into it – at least not very quickly. But still, it is illegal for individuals to approach the glory hole. Its proximity to the dam prohibits boaters from approaching the dam or the glory hole.
The glory hole did, unfortunately, claim one life, a swimmer named Emily Schwalen. In 1997, the 41-year-old Davis, California resident was sucked into the spillway. She was able to hold on to the side of the spillway for about 20 minutes before finally being swept inside. Her body was found several hours later.
So while it’s a beautiful sight, it’s definitely better experienced from a safe distance than up close!
Taking a closer look
In 2017, YouTube user Evan Kilkus flew a drone over the glory hole in order to get a closer look from a safe distance. It’s remarkable how beautiful yet hypnotizing it is. Have a look!