theheartysoul--2020-07-17--Michigan is trying to make it illegal for companies to put microchips in their employees

Imagine you ’ re at the office and you want a snack from the vending machine in the break room .
Instead of digging around for change or fishing through your wallet for your debit card , you simply wave your hand in front of the machine , money comes out of your bank account , and you get your snickers bar .
How did your hand magically pay for your treat ?
Via a microchip that was implanted underneath your skin by your employer .
This may sound like something from the year 3020 , or maybe from an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s not .
While it hasn ’ t exactly become mainstream just yet , the practice of microchipping employees is happening in companies around the world , and is likely going to become more popular as technology in the workplace becomes more and more advanced ( and accepted ) .
Lawmakers across the country are now preemptively setting bills in motion to protect workers ’ rights , before the technology gets out of hand .
RFID stands for radio-frequency identification .
These microchips , which are about the size of a grain @ @ @ @ @ @ @ skin between the thumb and the forefinger , can replace many of the mobile apps and services we use today .
They can also replace the need for ID checks , time cards , security checks , payments , and building access control at workplaces .
The concern , of course , is that these devices could compromise individual rights to privacy- even when they leave the office [ 1 ] .
Read : Company Gives Non-Smokers an Extra Four Days Holiday Per Year to Compensate for Cigarette Breaks On wednesday , June @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Microchip Protection Act ” , prohibiting employers from requiring workers to accept a microchip implant .
According to State Representative Bronna Kahle of Lenawee County , who sponsored the bill , more and more companies are implanting microchips , about the size of a grain of rice , into employees ’ hands to track productivity and look for ways to improve company efficiency .
This law was quickly misinterpreted , however , and many individuals and groups began speaking out on various social media platforms against the bill , admonishing it for endorsing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in humans .
Various accusations have now been popping up online , alleging that the bill is part of some kind of scheme by the Michigan government against its citizens .
In the weeks that followed the decision , a website called Great Game India , which has been known to spread misinformation about other major events , such as the origins of COVID-19 , published the following statement : Another Michigan-based blogger accused state lawmakers of threatening citizens ’ privacy and civil rights , saying that the bill creates legitimacy for employers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ place .
Once you have a chip , they wrote , anyone could track you , including companies who want to advertise to you , or even thieves who want to know when you leave your home [ 3 ] .
Read : Why You Should Consider Deleting Tik Tok Immediately The key word included in this law is the word voluntary .
The Michigan House passed legislation that would allow employers to microchip employees on a voluntary basis .
It is important to understand two things before going any further : • @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that are microchipping employees .
• Under current US law , companies can legally implant microchips in their employees [ 3 ] .
The bill , which contains five sections , also includes an introduction that explains its purpose .
It is as follows : Essentially , what this bill is doing is giving legal grounds for employees or potential employees to sue bosses who make microchipping mandatory for employment .
It is also protecting employees who do not want to use the chips from being treated differently or unfairly by bosses from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was passed , Republican representative Alan Morrison said that as this type of technology becomes more prevalent , citizens need to be aware of their rights .
The third section of the bill also outlined special circumstances within which an employer can make microchipping a mandatory requirement for employment .
While this sounds alarming , the situation in which this would happen is very specific .
Essentially , the new legislation states that if a Michigan citizen has been mandated by lawmakers to wear a microchip , for example , if it is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or parole officers to track the whereabouts of someone who is serving a criminal sentence , an employer could require that individual to wear that device at work [ 3 ] .
The following section explains under what circumstance those employees could seek damages .
The final section of the bill states that this act does not limit the employee or prospective employee ’ s rights under any state or federal law , which includes laws that protect privacy and confidentiality .
The bottom line is , this law does not , in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that would allow Michigan employers to microchip employees against their will [ 3 ] .
Read : If Facebook isn ’ t spying on me , why did I get ads for what I just spoke about ?
How Common is Microchipping in the US ?
As of today , not very .
Wisconsin company Three Square Market was the first widely known US company to use the devices when fifty employees volunteered to have a microchip implanted in their hands [ 4 ] .
The trend has not caught on just yet @ @ @ @ @ @ @ however .
Amal Graafstra , CEO of Dangerous Things , a Seattle , Washington-based implantable chip manufacturer and distributor , said that he only received approximately one hundred orders from US companies between 2015 and 2018 .
Despite this , state lawmakers are trying to get ahead of the trend and enacting laws prohibiting mandatory microchipping before their use becomes more widespread .
Today , more than a dozen states have put legislation in place that prohibits mandatory microchipping [ 6 ] .
While microchipping hasn ’ t become commonplace just yet in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are taking preventative action to protect workers ’ rights .
Keep Reading : Artist Designs Stylish Jewelry that also Defends Against Facial Recognition Technology

Michigan is trying to make it illegal for companies to put microchips in their employees
Imagine you’re at the office and you want a snack from the vending machine in the break room. Instead of digging around for change or fishing through your wallet for your debit card, you simply wave your hand in front of the machine, money comes out of your bank account, and you get your snickers bar.
How did your hand magically pay for your treat? Via a microchip that was implanted underneath your skin by your employer. This may sound like something from the year 3020, or maybe from an episode of Black Mirror, but it’s not.
While it hasn’t exactly become mainstream just yet, the practice of microchipping employees is happening in companies around the world, and is likely going to become more popular as technology in the workplace becomes more and more advanced (and accepted).
Lawmakers across the country are now preemptively setting bills in motion to protect workers’ rights, before the technology gets out of hand.
RFID Technology
RFID stands for radio-frequency identification. These microchips, which are about the size of a grain of rice and are implanted in the skin between the thumb and the forefinger, can replace many of the mobile apps and services we use today.
They can also replace the need for ID checks, time cards, security checks, payments, and building access control at workplaces. The concern, of course, is that these devices could compromise individual rights to privacy- even when they leave the office [1].
The Microchip Protection Act
On wednesday, June 24, Michigan lawmakers passed the “Microchip Protection Act”, prohibiting employers from requiring workers to accept a microchip implant.
According to State Representative Bronna Kahle of Lenawee County, who sponsored the bill, more and more companies are implanting microchips, about the size of a grain of rice, into employees’ hands to track productivity and look for ways to improve company efficiency.
“With the way technology has increased over the years and as it continues to grow, it’s important Michigan job providers balance the interests of the company with their employees’ expectations of privacy,” she said [2].
This law was quickly misinterpreted, however, and many individuals and groups began speaking out on various social media platforms against the bill, admonishing it for endorsing and encouraging the use of the device in humans.
Various accusations have now been popping up online, alleging that the bill is part of some kind of scheme by the Michigan government against its citizens. In the weeks that followed the decision, a website called Great Game India, which has been known to spread misinformation about other major events, such as the origins of COVID-19, published the following statement:
“The Michigan House of Representatives has passed a controversial bill to microchip humans voluntarily in the state under the guise of protecting their privacy. The Microchip Protection Act would allow Michigan employers to use microchipping of their workers with their consent. However, research has shown that [radio frequency identification] RFID transponders causes cancer.” [3]
Another Michigan-based blogger accused state lawmakers of threatening citizens’ privacy and civil rights, saying that the bill creates legitimacy for employers considering using the technology in the first place. Once you have a chip, they wrote, anyone could track you, including companies who want to advertise to you, or even thieves who want to know when you leave your home [3].
Read: Why You Should Consider Deleting Tik Tok Immediately
Understanding the Law
The key word included in this law is the word voluntary. The Michigan House passed legislation that would allow employers to microchip employees on a voluntary basis. It is important to understand two things before going any further:
There are currently no companies in Michigan that are microchipping employees. Under current US law, companies can legally implant microchips in their employees [3].
The bill, which contains five sections, also includes an introduction that explains its purpose. It is as follows:
“A bill to prohibit employers from requiring employees and prospective employees to have devices implanted or otherwise incorporated into their bodies as a condition of employment or any employment benefit; to prohibit employers from discriminating in the terms, conditions, and benefits of employment against employees who refuse to have a device implanted and otherwise incorporated into their bodies; and to provide remedies.”
Essentially, what this bill is doing is giving legal grounds for employees or potential employees to sue bosses who make microchipping mandatory for employment. It is also protecting employees who do not want to use the chips from being treated differently or unfairly by bosses from their pro-chip co-workers.
Before the bill was passed, Republican representative Alan Morrison said that as this type of technology becomes more prevalent, citizens need to be aware of their rights.
“It is crucial to take the necessary steps now to ensure more safety and privacy in the future” [3].
The third section of the bill also outlined special circumstances within which an employer can make microchipping a mandatory requirement for employment. While this sounds alarming, the situation in which this would happen is very specific.
Essentially, the new legislation states that if a Michigan citizen has been mandated by lawmakers to wear a microchip, for example, if it is being used as a tool by probation or parole officers to track the whereabouts of someone who is serving a criminal sentence, an employer could require that individual to wear that device at work [3].
The following section explains under what circumstance those employees could seek damages. The final section of the bill states that this act does not limit the employee or prospective employee’s rights under any state or federal law, which includes laws that protect privacy and confidentiality.
The bottom line is, this law does not, in any way, establish a legal framework that would allow Michigan employers to microchip employees against their will [3].
Read: If Facebook isn’t spying on me, why did I get ads for what I just spoke about?
How Common is Microchipping in the US?
As of today, not very. Wisconsin company Three Square Market was the first widely known US company to use the devices when fifty employees volunteered to have a microchip implanted in their hands [4].
The trend has not caught on just yet in the rest of the country, however. Amal Graafstra, CEO of Dangerous Things, a Seattle, Washington-based implantable chip manufacturer and distributor, said that he only received approximately one hundred orders from US companies between 2015 and 2018.
“I wouldn’t say there are businesses going hog wild with chip implants,” he said [5].
Despite this, state lawmakers are trying to get ahead of the trend and enacting laws prohibiting mandatory microchipping before their use becomes more widespread. Today, more than a dozen states have put legislation in place that prohibits mandatory microchipping [6].
While microchipping hasn’t become commonplace just yet in the US, more and more lawmakers are taking preventative action to protect workers’ rights.


theheartysoul--2020-07-20--Abandoned tanker could spill 4 times more oil than Exxon Valdez, U.N. official warns

On March 24 , 1989 , The Exxon Valdez oil tanker struck a reef off the coast of Alaska .
The hull of the ship was torn open , and eleven million gallons of crude oil spilled out into the ocean .
More than one thousand miles of coastline were damaged , and hundreds of thousands of animals were killed .
Still to this day , many Alaskan beaches remain polluted [ 1 ] .
Today a deteriorating oil tanker off the coast of Yemen , the FSO Safer , is on the brink of an even worse disaster .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ oil as the Exxon Valdez , and if it is not removed from the damaged ship threatens to spill into the water and destroy ecosystems [ 2 ] .
The UN : We ’ re Running Out of Time United Nations environment chief Inger Anderson says that a disaster such as this could wreck ecosystems and livelihoods for decades to come , and that their only option is to prevent it from happening .
The oil tanker , which has not been maintained for over five years , could release 1.1 million barrels @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Anderson is urging the international community to come up with a response plan in case an oil spill occurs .
The Associated Press obtained internal documents one month ago showing that sea water had entered the engine compartment of the tanker .
Pipes have been damaged , and rust has covered parts of the tanker .
The inert gas that prevents tankers from gathering inflammable gases has leaked out , and has increased the risk of the ship sinking .
The ship is so damaged that experts say maintenance is no longer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mark Lowcock said that the leaking tanker has brought us closer than ever to an environmental catastrophe [ 2 ] .
The ship was sold to the Yemeni government from Japan in the 1980s to store up to three million barrels pumped from oil fields in the Mareb province before being exported .
At 360 meters long , it contains 34 storage tanks [ 2 ] .
Read : The Locust Plague in East Africa Is Sending Us a Message , And It ’ s Not Good News The trouble is that the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can assess the ship ’ s damage and look for ways to secure the tanker , unload the oil , and pull the ship to safety .
They are having difficulty obtaining that permission because the area where the ship is moored is controlled by Houthi rebels , who have been denying UN access to the ship [ 2 ] .
The Houthi rebels are a broad tribal alliance in the North of Yemen that emerged in the 1980s .
They have a heavy anti-imperial ideology , and in particular do not like @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Saudi Arabia .
The UN has identified that the war that erupted in 2014 when Shiite Houthi rebels launched a campaign to capture the nation ’ s capital , Sanaa , is the root cause of the current disaster occurring in Yemen [ 3 ] .
In August , the rebels said they would approve a UN mission to inspect the ship , only to cancel it the night before the visit was planned .
They have recently said they would approve another mission , but UN officials are skeptical .
Lowcock is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that will spare millions of their fellow citizens from yet another tragedy ” [ 2 ] .
Read : Expert warns the US is approaching ‘ one of the most unstable times in the history of our country ’ Last month , Britain ’ s ambassador to Yemen used another fuel leak disaster as a comparison to the FSO Safer , showing just how much damage a leaking oil tanker can do .
In May , more than 21 thousand tonnes of fuel was released when a fuel reservoir collapsed in the Arctic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it will take years to clean it up .
The spill has already killed wildlife , and the pollution could now flow into the Kara sea north of Siberia , which Greenpeace Russia expert Vladimir Chuprov said would be a “ disaster ” [ 4 ] .
The reservoir in Siberia contained twenty thousand tonnes of fuel .
The oil tanker in Yemen contains 150 tonnes of oil , which would devastate the Red Sea [ 2 ] .
UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric says that the UN is fully mobilized , and once @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will move as fast as possible .
Keep Reading : Chernobyl shocker as fungi that eats radiation found inside nuclear reactor

On March 24, 1989, The Exxon Valdez oil tanker struck a reef off the coast of Alaska. The hull of the ship was torn open, and eleven million gallons of crude oil spilled out into the ocean. More than one thousand miles of coastline were damaged, and hundreds of thousands of animals were killed. Still to this day, many Alaskan beaches remain polluted [1].
Today a deteriorating oil tanker off the coast of Yemen, the FSO Safer, is on the brink of an even worse disaster. The ship contains four times as much oil as the Exxon Valdez, and if it is not removed from the damaged ship threatens to spill into the water and destroy ecosystems [2].
The UN: We’re Running Out of Time
United Nations environment chief Inger Anderson says that a disaster such as this could wreck ecosystems and livelihoods for decades to come, and that their only option is to prevent it from happening.
“Despite the difficult operational context, no effort should be spared to first conduct a technical assessment and initial light repairs,” she told the UN Security Council [2].
The oil tanker, which has not been maintained for over five years, could release 1.1 million barrels of crude oil into the ocean, and Anderson is urging the international community to come up with a response plan in case an oil spill occurs.
“Time is running out for us to act in a coordinated manner to prevent a looming environmental, economic and humanitarian catastrophe,” she said [2].
The Associated Press obtained internal documents one month ago showing that sea water had entered the engine compartment of the tanker. Pipes have been damaged, and rust has covered parts of the tanker. The inert gas that prevents tankers from gathering inflammable gases has leaked out, and has increased the risk of the ship sinking.
The ship is so damaged that experts say maintenance is no longer possible, and UN humanitarian affairs chief Mark Lowcock said that the leaking tanker has brought us closer than ever to an environmental catastrophe [2].
The ship was sold to the Yemeni government from Japan in the 1980s to store up to three million barrels pumped from oil fields in the Mareb province before being exported. At 360 meters long, it contains 34 storage tanks [2].
Resistance from Rebels
The trouble is that the UN needs permission to operate before inspectors can assess the ship’s damage and look for ways to secure the tanker, unload the oil, and pull the ship to safety. They are having difficulty obtaining that permission because the area where the ship is moored is controlled by Houthi rebels, who have been denying UN access to the ship [2].
The Houthi rebels are a broad tribal alliance in the North of Yemen that emerged in the 1980s. They have a heavy anti-imperial ideology, and in particular do not like Israel, the United States, and Saudi Arabia. The UN has identified that the war that erupted in 2014 when Shiite Houthi rebels launched a campaign to capture the nation’s capital, Sanaa, is the root cause of the current disaster occurring in Yemen [3].
In August, the rebels said they would approve a UN mission to inspect the ship, only to cancel it the night before the visit was planned. They have recently said they would approve another mission, but UN officials are skeptical.
Lowcock is urging the rebels to “take steps that will spare millions of their fellow citizens from yet another tragedy” [2].
Lessons from Russia
Last month, Britain’s ambassador to Yemen used another fuel leak disaster as a comparison to the FSO Safer, showing just how much damage a leaking oil tanker can do.
In May, more than 21 thousand tonnes of fuel was released when a fuel reservoir collapsed in the Arctic circle, and Siberian officials have warned it will take years to clean it up. The spill has already killed wildlife, and the pollution could now flow into the Kara sea north of Siberia, which Greenpeace Russia expert Vladimir Chuprov said would be a “disaster” [4].
The reservoir in Siberia contained twenty thousand tonnes of fuel. The oil tanker in Yemen contains 150 tonnes of oil, which would devastate the Red Sea [2].
UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric says that the UN is fully mobilized, and once they have the permissions they need they will move as fast as possible.
“We have been flagging this issue for quite some time to make sure that it is not on the back burner but it is on the front burner and everybody is paying attention to it,” he said. “But I can assure you that our colleagues are working as quickly as possible” [2].
Keep Reading: Chernobyl shocker as fungi that eats radiation found inside nuclear reactor


theheartysoul--2020-07-20--Colorado Mom Adopts 1-Year-Old Child After Learning She Was Fostering Son’s Biological Sibling

One of the hardest concepts for adoptive children to grasp is not having any connection to or knowledge of their biological family .
This is why when this Colorado mother found out that her two adoptive children had another brother in need of adopting , she knew there was only one thing to do : adopt this child as well .
Katie Page adopted her son Grayson in 2017 .
One month later , she received a call from the agency that a little girl named Hannah was in need of a foster home .
When she began fostering Hannah @ @ @ @ @ @ @ between her two children .
They had the same dimpled chin , as well as another mark on their bodies .
On a hunch , she began to look inquire at the agency about Hannah ’ s biological mother and got a DNA test done on both children .
( 1 ) Call it a mother ’ s intuition , Katie was right .
Grayson and Hannah did , in fact , have the same biological mother .
After confirming they were siblings , it made the adoption process for Hannah much easier @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the family in December of 2018 .
( 1 ) Two years later , Katie found out about one-year-old Jackson .
He was set to go to another foster home when a caseworker decided to intervene .
Despite being a single mother , when Katie was contacted , she knew that the only thing to do was to give Jackson the gift of growing up with his biological siblings .
( 1 ) Jackson was officially adopted on July 25th of this year .
More than 30 friends and family tuned in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 1 ) Read : Meet Magnolia Earl , the First-Ever Adopted Child to Be Named a Gerber Baby !
Two of the people on the video call were Kaci and Dustin Whitney , the adoptive parents of two little girls who also have the same biological mother as Katie ’ s three children .
The two families , now connected as one by their children , went on a beach trip in Florida last month where all five children got to meet one another .
( 1 ) For Katie , this is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ she first adopted Grayson , she felt terrible that she would not be able to provide him any information on his biological family .
Now , he has four siblings he can grow up with who all share that genetic connection .
( 1 ) In a photo of all five siblings posted on her Instagram , Katie captioned the photo “ This is us.
” ( 1 ) The Page-Whitney family is a real-life example that the word “ family ” means so much more than the traditional family we often think @ @ @ @ @ @ @ there is family .
( 1 ) Keep Reading : No , Our Family Doesn ’ t ‘ Match ’ But Thanks to Adoption , It ’ s Filled With Love

One of the hardest concepts for adoptive children to grasp is not having any connection to or knowledge of their biological family. This is why when this Colorado single mom found out that her two adoptive children had another brother in need of adopting, she knew there was only one thing to do: adopt this child as well.
Single Mom Seeks Unknown Siblings
Single mom Katie Page adopted her son Grayson in 2017. One month later, she received a call from the agency that a little girl named Hannah was in need of a foster home. When she began fostering Hannah, she began to notice some similarities between her two children. They had the same dimpled chin, as well as another mark on their bodies. On a hunch, she began to look inquire at the agency about Hannah’s biological mother and got a DNA test done on both children. (1)
Call it a mother’s intuition, Katie was right. Grayson and Hannah did, in fact, have the same biological mother. After confirming they were siblings, it made the adoption process for Hannah much easier, and she was officially a member of the family in December of 2018. (1)
Another Brother
Two years later, Katie found out about one-year-old Jackson. He was set to go to another foster home when a caseworker decided to intervene. Despite being a single mother, when Katie was contacted, she knew that the only thing to do was to give Jackson the gift of growing up with his biological siblings. (1)
“When Jackson came along I just felt the best I could give him are his family and siblings that he identifies and feels connected to,” Page told Good Morning America. (1)
Jackson was officially adopted on July 25th of this year. More than 30 friends and family tuned in to the virtual adoption ceremony. (1)
A Big Happy Family
Two of the people on the video call were Kaci and Dustin Whitney, the adoptive parents of two little girls who also have the same biological mother as Katie’s three children. The two families, now connected as one by their children, went on a beach trip in Florida last month where all five children got to meet one another. (1)
For Katie, this is all a dream come true. When she first adopted Grayson, she felt terrible that she would not be able to provide him any information on his biological family. Now, he has four siblings he can grow up with who all share that genetic connection. (1)
In a photo of all five siblings posted on her Instagram, Katie captioned the photo “This is us.” (1)
“Three sisters and a brother now sit beside and will grow up with him. He has more love and family members that love him than I ever dreamed possible.” she went on to say. (1)
The Page-Whitney family is a real-life example that the word “family” means so much more than the traditional family we often think of. Where there is love, there is family. (1)
Keep Reading: Mom Reveals She Can’t Stand Her 9-Year-Old Daughter And Avoids Her At All Costs
Source


theheartysoul--2020-07-20--Photographer Snaps Once-in-a-Lifetime Shot of a Rainbow Sky

Rainbows are one of nature ’ s most beautiful and beloved phenomena .
No matter how many times you ’ ve seen one , you ’ re always captured by their beauty and mesmerized by the layers of color arching across the sky .
Imagine then , if the entire sky was a rainbow .
That is exactly what one photographer witnessed , and captured on camera so all of us could witness the magical event .
Photographer Cessna Kutz captured the magnificent scene over Lake Sammamish in Washington State .
Often referred to as “ fire rainbows ” , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , nor does it have anything to do with fire [ 1 ] .
Formally known as circumhorizontal arcs , these beautiful events occur only in specific places at a specific time .
They occur only when the sun is higher than 58 degrees above the horizon , when light passes through high-altitude cirrus clouds that are made up of hexagonal plate ice crystals .
When these ice crystals are lined up in just the right way , they act as a prism that refracts light and results in the rainbow-like display of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
This differs from rainbows , which forms when sunlight is scattered from raindrops to the eyes of an observer .
In order for a rainbow to form , the three following conditions must be present : • The sun must be behind you .
• The sun needs to be less than 42 degrees above the horizon- the lower the sun , the more of the rainbow ’ s arc you will see .
• Rain , fog , or some other source of water droplets must be in front of you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ scientific study claims that your age affects how you see this famous optical illusion Fire Rainbows are More Common than you Think You may think that this beautiful phenomenon is rare , but you would be mistaken .
Their frequency simply depends on where you are located .
It is actually fairly common to see them several times throughout the summer in the United States , because of the country ’ s higher latitude .
In northern Europe , however , they are much more rare because that part of the continent ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are five to ten times more likely to see a fire rainbow in Los Angeles than you are in London [ 1 ] .
Kutz captured the moment near the beginning of COVID-19 lockdowns in the United States , and shared it as a symbol of hope during the uncertain and turbulent times .
Her photos went viral almost as soon as she posted them , much to Kutz ’ s complete shock .
The photographer said that she is incredibly passionate about photography and she is grateful that her photos have touched @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , but around the world .

Rainbows are one of nature’s most beautiful and beloved phenomena. No matter how many times you’ve seen one, you’re always captured by their beauty and mesmerized by the layers of color arching across the sky.
Imagine then, if the entire sky was a rainbow. That is exactly what one photographer witnessed, and captured on camera so all of us could witness the magical event.
A Rainbow Sky
Photographer Cessna Kutz captured the magnificent scene over Lake Sammamish in Washington State. Often referred to as “fire rainbows”, this phenomenon is not an actual rainbow, nor does it have anything to do with fire [1].
Formally known as circumhorizontal arcs, these beautiful events occur only in specific places at a specific time. They occur only when the sun is higher than 58 degrees above the horizon, when light passes through high-altitude cirrus clouds that are made up of hexagonal plate ice crystals.
https://www.instagram.com/p/B-Gc94XHzgN/
When these ice crystals are lined up in just the right way, they act as a prism that refracts light and results in the rainbow-like display of colors in the sky [2].
This differs from rainbows, which forms when sunlight is scattered from raindrops to the eyes of an observer. In order for a rainbow to form, the three following conditions must be present:
The sun must be behind you. The sun needs to be less than 42 degrees above the horizon- the lower the sun, the more of the rainbow’s arc you will see. Rain, fog, or some other source of water droplets must be in front of you [3].
Fire Rainbows are More Common than you Think
You may think that this beautiful phenomenon is rare, but you would be mistaken. Their frequency simply depends on where you are located. It is actually fairly common to see them several times throughout the summer in the United States, because of the country’s higher latitude.
In northern Europe, however, they are much more rare because that part of the continent’s mid-latitude. For example, you are five to ten times more likely to see a fire rainbow in Los Angeles than you are in London [1].
Capturing the Awe-Inspiring Moment
Kutz captured the moment near the beginning of COVID-19 lockdowns in the United States, and shared it as a symbol of hope during the uncertain and turbulent times.
“Witnessed a pretty cool phenomenon out on lake Sammamish today,” she captioned the shot. “A horizontal rainbow! To me, it was a little reminder to hold onto hope and love instead of fear and panic in these unknown times. Stay safe out there, friends.” [1]
Her photos went viral almost as soon as she posted them, much to Kutz’s complete shock.
“I honestly had no idea these photos would make the news,” Cessna shared with one news outlet. “I was just wanting to share a beautiful moment I got to witness” [1].
The photographer said that she is incredibly passionate about photography and she is grateful that her photos have touched not just people in the United States, but around the world.
“It’s boosted my photography business as well as make an impact on people so it feels pretty amazing.” [1]
Keep Reading: Photographer Captures Amazing Photos of a Rare White Rainbow


theheartysoul--2020-07-22--Fed-Up Mother Writes ‘Tough Love’ Letter To Her 13-Year-Old Son – Parents Everywhere Applaud Her

The teenage years are tough for everyone , including the parents .
As your children begin to grow into young adults before your eyes , they often go through some growing pains in the process .
Often this includes attempting to assert their own independence , but it doesn ’ t always come out in the best way .
After experiencing this with her son , this mom wrote a letter of tough love reminding her son that he was , in fact , not quite as grown and independent as he thinks .
Mom Writes Letter of Tough Love @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Most often when disciplining a disobedient teenager , parents resort to taking things away from them : TV , phone , new clothes , or hangouts with friends .
Entirely fed up with the way her son had been behaving , Estella Havisham decided enough was enough .
She wrote a letter to her 13-year-old son Aaron , outlining that if he was going to continue to disrespect her authority , then he would have to start taking on more “ adult ” responsibilities .
Though some people have commented saying that perhaps @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are very supportive of her use of tough love .
The letter , pictured below , certainly gave Aaron a quick dose of reality .
Dear Aaron , Since you seem to have forgotten that you are only 13 and I ’ m the parent , and that you won ’ t be controlled , I guess you will need to learn a lesson in independence .
Also , as you threw in my face that you are making money now , it will be easier to buy back all the items I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ If you would like your lamp/lightbulbs or access to the internet , you will need to pay your share of costs : Rent : $ 430 Electricity : $ 116 Internet : $ 21 Food : $ 150 .
Also you will need to empty the trash Mon , Wed & Friday as well as sweep and vacuum those days .
You will need to keep your bathroom clean weekly , prepare your own meals and clean up after yourself .
If you fail to do so I will charge you a $ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have to do it .
If you decide you would rather be MY CHILD again instead of a roommate , we can negotiate terms.
” ( 1 ) Estella didn ’ t intend for the picture of the letter to go viral , in fact , she didn ’ t intend to post it publicly at all .
She meant to just send it to a few family members .
By the time she realized what had happened , she decided there was no reason to take it down , as it was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ teenagers some much-needed tough love as well .
( 1 ) Read : This Chart Shows You Which Chores Are Age-Appropriate For Your Kids How to Raise Kids to Be Respectful Raising kids to be respectful and contributing members not just to your household , but to their communities and society as a whole , is no easy task .
It certainly goes far beyond just giving tough love every once in a while .
Kids , no matter how old they are , need limits and expectations to be set and stuck @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to being self-disciplined in the future .
For example , setting the precedent that no TV is allowed until all of their homework is finished will help them when they go off to college and they no longer have someone watching over their shoulder .
( 2 , 4 ) In addition to that , you must have a system in place to discipline your children when the rules you have established are not followed .
A warning method , for instance , in which repercussions of their actions get progressively more strict @ @ @ @ @ @ @ consistent with that system , no ifs , ands , or buts .
If you discipline them for something one day and not another , the lesson behind the rules and ensuing discipline if they are broken is lost .
( 2 , 4 ) It ’ s easy to fall in a pattern of being on high alert for bad behavior to the point where good behavior goes unnoticed or at least appears to .
Anytime you see your child or teen doing something good , be it treating someone with kindness @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , or offering to help out beyond what is typically expected of them , show your appreciation .
( 5 ) A simple “ thank you ” goes a long way to your child feeling seen doing good things , not just when they mess up .
If you can , extend that to “ Thank you for clearing the table without being asked , it really makes my evening better.
” or “ That was so kind of you to hold the door for that person , I ’ m happy I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 5 ) Your thank-yous ’ can go beyond just words , as well .
If when disciplining our children we tend to take things away , then we should reward them for doing something good .
Again , these don ’ t have to be elaborate or expensive .
Tell them to invite their best friend over for a sleepover , take them to the movies , let them get their ears pierced – little things that say “ I see what you did , I appreciate it , and I want to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 5 ) Read : I ’ m The Only Neat Freak In A Family Of Slobs , And I Am Exhausted From a very early age , kids begin to mimic and repeat the things their parents do and say .
If you want to raise a conscientious child who cares for and respects others , who works hard and communicates how they are feeling in a calm , clear way , then you have to be that person yourself .
( 2 , 3 , 4 ) Allow your kids to see @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was supposed to clean the kitchen , but I procrastinated .
Now that it ’ s the evening , I have to clean it before I sit down to relax , even though I am tired.
” Also , think about it this way : • If you yell and scream when you ’ re angry , so will they .
• If you are rude to others ( ex .
Customer service employees ) , your kids will learn to disrespect others .
• If you don ’ t clean up after @ @ @ @ @ @ @ same .
Parenting is scary .
You want to protect your child , keep them safe , and help them grow to be good people .
Sometimes this results in you putting extremely strict rules in place , with no room for adjustment as your child gets older .
Show them that you trust them and give them the opportunity to prove to you that they deserve more freedom and independence .
Rules that are overly strict that allow kids , especially teenagers , no autonomy to make their own decisions typically just @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) Instead of punishing them before they ’ ve done anything wrong , give them some guidelines and tools so that they will be safe in situations .
Make sure that they know they can always call you , even if they think they messed up .
Will there be repercussions ?
Sure , but if they are too scared to even call you when things go wrong , they could be in even worse trouble .
( 2 ) When it does come time to discipline , for example when you have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ because they were drinking and are now throwing up , show them some love first .
Even if you are furious , yelling at them when they are vomiting out the window of the car probably won ’ t do much .
The next morning , go in and talk to them about why what they did was irresponsible and dangerous , then lay out what their punishment will be .
( 2 ) Read : Mom Creates Household “ Jobs ” And Makes Her Kids Apply To Get Allowance Money Though this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , make sure that you continue to spend quality time with your kids even as they get older .
Think about your common interests : may both you and your son love musicals , so make a pact that you will go to one together at least once per year .
Perhaps your daughter loves the outdoors , so take her camping or go hiking together .
( 2 , 3 ) Quality time with your kids just having fun together nurtures a loving and respectful relationship between you .
They will be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that you ’ ve set out for them when you ’ ve built a solid relationship .
( 2 , 3 ) Nothing teaches children empathy and kind-heartedness quite like getting out and volunteering .
Get your kids involved in volunteer work as early as you can , and most importantly , volunteer with them .
Not only will this count towards quality time spent together , but it will teach your children to be more selfless and understanding towards others .
( 4 ) There is no magic bullet to parenting , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ trouble or disobey you no matter how amazing of a parent you are .
Learning to be flexible , admit when you , yourself , have been wrong and treating your kids with love and respect will be reflected back through them .
The teenage years will be turbulent , but they will come out on the other side as compassionate and respectful , contributing adults .
Keep Reading : School in Spain Teaches Boys How to Do Household Chores to Stop Gender Inequality

The teenage years are tough for everyone, including the parents. As your children begin to grow into young adults before your eyes, they often go through some growing pains in the process. Often this includes attempting to assert their own independence, but it doesn’t always come out in the best way. After experiencing this with her son, this mom wrote a letter of tough love reminding her son that he was, in fact, not quite as grown and independent as he thinks.
Mom Writes Letter of Tough Love to Put Her Son in His Place
Most often when disciplining a disobedient teenager, parents resort to taking things away from them: TV, phone, new clothes, or hangouts with friends. Entirely fed up with the way her son had been behaving, a single mum who went by the name of Estella Havisham decided enough was enough. In 2015, she wrote a letter to her 13-year-old son Aaron, outlining that if he was going to continue to disrespect her authority, then he would have to start taking on more “adult” responsibilities.
Though some people have commented saying that perhaps she was a bit harsh, most are very supportive of her use of tough love. The letter, pictured below, certainly gave Aaron a quick dose of reality.
Dear Aaron,
Since you seem to have forgotten that you are only 13 and I’m the parent, and that you won’t be controlled, I guess you will need to learn a lesson in independence. Also, as you threw in my face that you are making money now, it will be easier to buy back all the items I bought for you in the past. If you would like your lamp/lightbulbs or access to the internet, you will need to pay your share of costs:
Rent: $430
Electricity: $116
Internet: $21
Food: $150.
Also you will need to empty the trash Mon, Wed & Friday as well as sweep and vacuum those days. You will need to keep your bathroom clean weekly, prepare your own meals and clean up after yourself. If you fail to do so I will charge you a $30 maid fee for every day I have to do it. If you decide you would rather be MY CHILD again instead of a roommate, we can negotiate terms.” (1)
Image Credit: Estella Havisham | Twitter
Unintentionally Viral
Estella didn’t intend for the picture of the letter to go viral, in fact, she didn’t intend to post it publicly at all. She meant to just send it to a few family members. By the time she realized what had happened, she decided there was no reason to take it down, as it was inspiring other parents to give their unruly teenagers some much-needed tough love as well. (1)
How to Raise Kids to Be Respectful
Raising kids to be respectful and contributing members not just to your household, but to their communities and society as a whole, is no easy task. It certainly goes far beyond just giving tough love every once in a while.
Discipline
Kids, no matter how old they are, need limits and expectations to be set and stuck to. This will help guide them to being self-disciplined in the future. For example, setting the precedent that no TV is allowed until all of their homework is finished will help them when they go off to college and they no longer have someone watching over their shoulder. (2, 4)
In addition to that, you must have a system in place to discipline your children when the rules you have established are not followed. A warning method, for instance, in which repercussions of their actions get progressively more strict. It is imperative that you are consistent with that system, no ifs, ands, or buts. If you discipline them for something one day and not another, the lesson behind the rules and ensuing discipline if they are broken is lost. (2, 4)
Reward Good Behavior
It’s easy to fall in a pattern of being on high alert for bad behavior to the point where good behavior goes unnoticed or at least appears to. Anytime you see your child or teen doing something good, be it treating someone with kindness, doing their chores without being asked, or offering to help out beyond what is typically expected of them, show your appreciation. (5)
A simple “thank you” goes a long way to your child feeling seen doing good things, not just when they mess up. If you can, extend that to “Thank you for clearing the table without being asked, it really makes my evening better.” or “That was so kind of you to hold the door for that person, I’m happy I have such a thoughtful daughter/son.” (5)
Your thank-yous’ can go beyond just words, as well. If when disciplining our children we tend to take things away, then we should reward them for doing something good. Again, these don’t have to be elaborate or expensive. Tell them to invite their best friend over for a sleepover, take them to the movies, let them get their ears pierced – little things that say “I see what you did, I appreciate it, and I want to reward you for it”. (5)
Read: Dad’s Emotional Post about Raising His Baby Daughter Alone after Her Mom Left Them
Lead By Example
From a very early age, kids begin to mimic and repeat the things their parents do and say. If you want to raise a conscientious child who cares for and respects others, who works hard and communicates how they are feeling in a calm, clear way, then you have to be that person yourself. (2, 3, 4)Allow your kids to see you disciplining yourself:
“Today I was supposed to clean the kitchen, but I procrastinated. Now that it’s the evening, I have to clean it before I sit down to relax, even though I am tired.”
Also, think about it this way:
If you yell and scream when you’re angry, so will they.
If you are rude to others (ex. Customer service employees), your kids will learn to disrespect others.
If you don’t clean up after yourself, your kids will do the same.
Be Flexible
Parenting is scary. You want to protect your child, keep them safe, and help them grow to be good people. Sometimes this results in you putting extremely strict rules in place, with no room for adjustment as your child gets older. Show them that you trust them and give them the opportunity to prove to you that they deserve more freedom and independence. Rules that are overly strict that allow kids, especially teenagers, no autonomy to make their own decisions typically just leads to them rebelling. (2)
Instead of punishing them before they’ve done anything wrong, give them some guidelines and tools so that they will be safe in situations. Make sure that they know they can always call you, even if they think they messed up. Will there be repercussions? Sure, but if they are too scared to even call you when things go wrong, they could be in even worse trouble. (2)
When it does come time to discipline, for example when you have to pick them up from a party because they were drinking and are now throwing up, show them some love first. Even if you are furious, yelling at them when they are vomiting out the window of the car probably won’t do much. The next morning, go in and talk to them about why what they did was irresponsible and dangerous, then lay out what their punishment will be. (2)
Spend Time With Your Kids
Though this is easier when your children are young, make sure that you continue to spend quality time with your kids even as they get older. Think about your common interests: may both you and your son love musicals, so make a pact that you will go to one together at least once per year. Perhaps your daughter loves the outdoors, so take her camping or go hiking together. (2, 3)
Quality time with your kids just having fun together nurtures a loving and respectful relationship between you. They will be more apt to respect the ground rules that you’ve set out for them when you’ve built a solid relationship. (2, 3)
Encourage Purposeful Pastime Activities
Nothing teaches children empathy and kind-heartedness quite like getting out and volunteering. Get your kids involved in volunteer work as early as you can, and most importantly, volunteer with them. Not only will this count towards quality time spent together, but it will teach your children to be more selfless and understanding towards others. (4)
The Bottom Line
There is no magic bullet to parenting, and sometimes your children will get in trouble or disobey you no matter how amazing of a parent you are. Learning to be flexible, admit when you have been wrong, and treat your kids with love and respect will be reflected back through them. The teenage years will be turbulent, but they will come out on the other side as compassionate and respectful, contributing adults.
Keep Reading: Antonio Banderas Changed Melanie Griffith’s Kids’ Lives ‘Forever’ Following Her 3 Failed Marriages
Sources


theheartysoul--2020-07-22--Turtle Strapped With a GoPro Documents Endearing Underwater Life

Have you always wanted to know what really goes on under-the-sea ?
Well , this is your chance .
A YouTuber has successfully documented the daily happenings in a pond using the cutest of subjects – Tank the turtle .
On his channel The Fish Whisperer , this YouTuber wanted to see what really happens beneath the surface of the pond .
He decided the best way to do so was by using one of the pond ’ s most active and adorable residents , the red-eared slider turtle .
He chose his turtle , named Tank , and strapped @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 1 ) Throughout the video , Tank can be seen swimming around the murky waters of the pond , having encounters with fish and other turtles , and occasionally poking his head out of the water to see what ’ s going on out there .
( 1 ) Eventually , the little turtle comes back on the shore to eat some fish offered to him by the YouTuber so that he can retrieve the GoPro .
Talk about a much-needed mood booster .
( 1 ) Take a look at the video @ @ @ @ @ @ @ That Look Like They ’ re From Another Planet The Fish Whisperer isn ’ t the first person to use a GoPro to get a close-up look into the lives of animals Check out these amazing animal videos , all captured on just a GoPro : Lion Cub Roar Watch this one for your daily dose of cuteness .
Grizzly Eats My GoPro Incredible footage of a bear family out fishing… until one of them decides to eat the GoPro .
Chicken the Dog Fetch from the point of view of the stick @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has to start somewhere .
Swimming With Dolphins This diver finds a much more ethical way to swim with dolphins – right out in the wild .
Elephant Lunchtime Who doesn ’ t love watching elephants interact with people and of course , other elephants ?
Share these videos with your friends and family to brighten their day !
🙂 Keep Reading : Video shows California ’ s Yosemite National Park full of animals in the absence of humans

Have you always wanted to know what really goes on under-the-sea? Well, this is your chance. A YouTuber has successfully documented the daily happenings in a pond using the cutest of subjects – Tank the turtle.
GoPro-Wearing Turtle Documents Underwater Pond Life
On his channel The Fish Whisperer, this YouTuber wanted to see what really happens beneath the surface of the pond. He decided the best way to do so was by using one of the pond’s most active and adorable residents, the red-eared slider turtle. He chose his turtle, named Tank, and strapped a GoPro to his shell. (1)
Throughout the video, Tank can be seen swimming around the murky waters of the pond, having encounters with fish and other turtles, and occasionally poking his head out of the water to see what’s going on out there. (1)
Eventually, the little turtle comes back on the shore to eat some fish offered to him by the YouTuber so that he can retrieve the GoPro. Talk about a much-needed mood booster. (1) Take a look at the video below.
Read: 21 Unbelievable Places That Look Like They’re From Another Planet
Other Animal GoPro Videos
The Fish Whisperer isn’t the first person to use a GoPro to get a close-up look into the lives of animals Check out these amazing animal videos, all captured on just a GoPro:
Lion Cub Roar
Watch this one for your daily dose of cuteness.
Grizzly Eats My GoPro
Incredible footage of a bear family out fishing… until one of them decides to eat the GoPro.
Read: Photographer Snaps Once-in-a-Lifetime Shot of a Rainbow Sky
Chicken the Dog
Fetch from the point of view of the stick.
Pelican Learns to Fly
Every bird has to start somewhere.
Swimming With Dolphins
This diver finds a much more ethical way to swim with dolphins – right out in the wild.
Elephant Lunchtime
Who doesn’t love watching elephants interact with people and of course, other elephants?
Share these videos with your friends and family to brighten their day! 🙂


theheartysoul--2020-07-21--Aboriginal Man Traveled 2,000 Miles To Attend His Granddaughter’s Graduation

So far , 2020 has been a pretty challenging year , and there has been far more bad news than good .
We know that this year may not be delivering all the positive stories you ’ d like to be hearing , so why don ’ t we turn back the clock a few years to 2015 , and reminisce about a truly memorable moment when one man travelled thousands of kilometers to be at his granddaughter ’ s graduation , and together the two generations celebrated achievement and culture together .
Gali Yalkarriwuy Gurruwiwi is a leader of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Indiginous groups of Australia .
Also known as the Morning Star Dancer , he does not know his exact age .
The elder travelled over two thousand miles from his home in Galiwin ’ ku , on Elcho Island off the Northern Australian Coast , in order to be present at his granddaughter Sasha ’ s graduation [ 1 ] .
Sasha was graduating from year ten at the Worawa Aboriginal College in Healesville , which is just north-east of Melbourne , Australia .
She had been boarding there for the past @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s English is limited , and he predominantly speaks in the traditional language of the Galpu clan .
He touched his heart and said “ proud ” , expressing his feelings over this special moment in his granddaughter ’ s life .
His wife , Jane Garrutju , said that it was his dream to dance with Sasha and his other granddaughter , Alicia , at the school [ 2 ] .
Gali was to perform a special dance at the ceremony with his two granddaughters at the graduation called Lunggurrma , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the feathered ceremonial Banumbirr , or morning star pole .
Despite not feeling well on the morning of the ceremony , Gali insisted on following through with the dance .
Read : No One Came to His Graduation So His Teacher Decided to Celebrate With Him Instead This time , however , was a unique experience for both of them .
Sasha has a strong connection to her culture and walks proudly in two worlds- that of her family with its culture and traditions , and that of the modern world with her @ @ @ @ @ @ @ going to boarding school actually strengthened her connection to her culture .
During her time there , she learned other Indigenous languages and culture from other communities across the country .
Her family has missed her terribly , but they knew that sending her to the Worawa school was Sasha ’ s best chance at becoming the person she wanted to be while still remaining connected to her culture .
Read : Aunt Shares Post About the Moment Her Nephew Crawled Into A Stranger ’ s Arms Sasha said that she planned on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wants to work both within her own community and in Melbourne .
She wants to practice culture and teach people her culture , too .
Sasha hopes that one day she can be an example for other young aboriginal girls .
Keep Reading : Malawian Teen Taught Himself How To Build A Windmill From Junk , Brought Power To His Village , ALL Learned From Library Books !

So far, 2020 has been a pretty challenging year, and there has been far more bad news than good.
We know that this year may not be delivering all the positive stories you’d like to be hearing, so why don’t we turn back the clock a few years to 2015, and reminisce about a truly memorable moment when one man travelled thousands of kilometers to be at his granddaughter’s graduation, and together the two generations celebrated achievement and culture together.
A Long Journey
Gali Yalkarriwuy Gurruwiwi is a leader of the Yolngu Mala people, one of the Indiginous groups of Australia. Also known as the Morning Star Dancer, he does not know his exact age.
The elder travelled over two thousand miles from his home in Galiwin’ku, on Elcho Island off the Northern Australian Coast, in order to be present at his granddaughter Sasha’s graduation [1].
Sasha was graduating from year ten at the Worawa Aboriginal College in Healesville, which is just north-east of Melbourne, Australia. She had been boarding there for the past two and a half years.
Gali’s English is limited, and he predominantly speaks in the traditional language of the Galpu clan. He touched his heart and said “proud”, expressing his feelings over this special moment in his granddaughter’s life. His wife, Jane Garrutju, said that it was his dream to dance with Sasha and his other granddaughter, Alicia, at the school [2].
Jane translated the rest of Gali’s words:
“I am proud of my grandchildren, Sasha and Alicia, I am proud that this college was taken care of and that they got a good education,” he said [2].
Image Credit: ABC News
Gali was to perform a special dance at the ceremony with his two granddaughters at the graduation called Lunggurrma, which means north wind, and incorporates the feathered ceremonial Banumbirr, or morning star pole. Despite not feeling well on the morning of the ceremony, Gali insisted on following through with the dance.
Read: No One Came to His Graduation So His Teacher Decided to Celebrate With Him Instead
Sasha: Walking in Two Worlds
Gali’s granddaughter Sasha loves dancing with her grandparents.
“When visitors come to Elcho Island my grandfather always dances, and all the grandchildren dance with him,” she said [2].
This time, however, was a unique experience for both of them. Sasha has a strong connection to her culture and walks proudly in two worlds- that of her family with its culture and traditions, and that of the modern world with her school and education.
“I love hunting, looking for oysters and fishing and looking for mangrove worms and dancing traditional, we call it bunggul, that’s what I miss, and telling stories around the campfire,” she said. “I speak three Indigenous languages” [2].
She said that going to boarding school actually strengthened her connection to her culture. During her time there, she learned other Indigenous languages and culture from other communities across the country.
Her family has missed her terribly, but they knew that sending her to the Worawa school was Sasha’s best chance at becoming the person she wanted to be while still remaining connected to her culture.
“[Gali’s] very strong in teaching his grandchildren to cling on to their values, to be able to balance Western culture and our culture,” said Sasha’s grandmother [2].
Read: Aunt Shares Post About the Moment Her Nephew Crawled Into A Stranger’s Arms
Goals for the Future
Sasha said that she planned on one day becoming a nurse. She wants to work both within her own community and in Melbourne. She wants to practice culture and teach people her culture, too.
Sasha hopes that one day she can be an example for other young aboriginal girls.
“I also want to be a role model to younger girls and show them that they can do something with their lives and be happy” [2].
Keep Reading: Malawian Teen Taught Himself How To Build A Windmill From Junk, Brought Power To His Village, ALL Learned From Library Books!


theheartysoul--2020-07-21--Startup Re-Engineers Spoiled Milk Into Biodegradable Clothing

According to a recent study , US households waste an estimated thirty to forty percent of the food they purchase every year .
The total annual cost of this wasted food is approximately 240 billion dollars , which works out to be 1,866 dollars per household [ 1 ] .
The truth is , however , a large portion of the food produced in the United States every year never even reaches our dinner plates .
Spoilage and waste occurs at every stage of the production process , including harvest , shipping , and supermarket distribution [ 2 ] .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ to save at least some of that wasted food , by turning spoiled milk into clothing .
It Started With a Trip to the Farm When Robert Luo visited his uncle ’ s dairy farm in China in 2018 , he couldn ’ t help but notice the massive amount of milk products that were going to waste .
He saw “ buckets and buckets ” of spoiled milk that couldn ’ t be sold [ 3,4 ] .
That prompted him to form the company Mi Terro , which turns spoiled milk @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Fashion Habit Is Killing The Planet How to Turn Milk into a T-Shirt For three months , the company worked with a team of PhD material scientists and chemists to come up with a way to turn spoiled milk into protein , which can then be spun into fibre to create yarn .
There are three main steps to turn milk into clothing : • Obtain milk and other dairy products from farms , food processing , and grocery stores .
• “ Protein Activation ” and “ Self-Assembly Purification ” technology , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to extract and purify the protein molecules from the spoiled milk bacteria to create the base component of the clothing .
• The clean casein protein is spun into fibers using “ Dynamic Flow Shear Spinning ” .
This forms the yarn that can be used to make t-shirts , underwear , and bags [ 3 ] .
This process that the team at Mi Terro created uses sixty percent less water than what is required to make a shirt from organic cotton .
They are also three times softer because of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ block UV light , are breathable , anti-bacterial , and odor-free [ 5 ] .
The company barely over a year ago in June 2019 , and has already made over one hundred thousand dollars , and sold products in forty countries around the world .
There are over ten styles of t-shirt available , all of which are machine-washable .
Currently , the company is discussing strategic partnerships with leading dairy companies in China [ 4 ] .
Read : First Floating Ocean Hybrid Platform Can Generate Power From Waves , Wind @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to develop your own process for how to turn food waste into clothing , but there are many other ways that you can reduce the amount of food you and your family wastes on a regular basis : Plan ahead so that you know what you are going to cook that week so you don ’ t buy food you don ’ t need .
Check expiry dates , but remember that most food can be eaten even when it ’ s past the date on the label- just make sure it looks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t able to finish something right away , you can also consider freezing it to be eaten later- you ’ d be surprised at how many foods can be frozen .
2 .
Consider using an app Flashfood is an app that re-sells grocery foods that are approaching their best-before dates at a discount and saves “ not good enough ” items and ships them to customers .
Farmers and growers can also give Flashfood items that were rejected by grocery stores to be sent to consumers .
Food For All is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ City and Boston .
It connects customers with restaurants one hour before they close for meal discounts as high as eighty percent .
Users can also donate food to people in need through the app .
Foodfully allows users to track what they buy at the grocery store and sends you notifications before your purchases go bad .
It also suggests recipes based on what you have in your fridge.Store food properly .
Often , fruits and vegetables ripen prematurely and spoil because they are stored improperly .
Some foods , like potatoes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and onions should never be refrigerated .
Other foods should be separated from each other .
For example , foods that produce ethylene gas , like bananas , avocados , tomatoes , cantaloupe , peaches , pears , and green onions , can cause other produce around them to ripen too quickly , and should be kept in a separate storage area [ 6 ] .
Pickling , drying , fermenting , canning , freezing , and curing are all ways to preserve fresh food for a much longer time .
Most @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will save you money , and will allow you to enjoy the delicious fruits and vegetables from the harvest season all winter long [ 6 ] .
Keep your fridge organized so you can clearly see foods and know when it was purchased .
Use the “ first in , first out ” method , which means when you come home from the grocery store , put the new items behind the old items so you can clearly see which ones should get used up first [ 6 ] .
5 .
Use @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and peels of produce may not taste great in a salad , but they can add a boost of nutrition and flavor to smoothies , or be used to make a delicious stock for soups and stews [ 6 ] .
Not everyone has the space for an outdoor composting system , but there are also countertop composting systems that work well for people living in tighter quarters .
Adding compost to your garden gives your plants a host of beneficial nutrients to help them grow [ 6 ] .
The bottom @ @ @ @ @ @ @ problem all over the world .
While companies like Mi Terro are doing amazing work to reduce the amount of global food waste , it is important as consumers that we are also doing our part to reduce what gets wasted in our own homes .
Keep Reading : Damaged Human Lungs Can Be Repaired by Attaching Them to Pigs , Experiment Shows

According to a recent study, US households waste an estimated thirty to forty percent of the food they purchase every year. The total annual cost of this wasted food is approximately 240 billion dollars, which works out to be 1,866 dollars per household [1].
The truth is, however, a large portion of the food produced in the United States every year never even reaches our dinner plates. Spoilage and waste occurs at every stage of the production process, including harvest, shipping, and supermarket distribution [2].
One company has figured out a way to save at least some of that wasted food, by turning spoiled milk into clothing.
It Started With a Trip to the Farm
When Robert Luo visited his uncle’s dairy farm in China in 2018, he couldn’t help but notice the massive amount of milk products that were going to waste. He saw “buckets and buckets” of spoiled milk that couldn’t be sold [3,4].
That prompted him to form the company Mi Terro, which turns spoiled milk into clothing.
How to Turn Milk into a T-Shirt
For three months, the company worked with a team of PhD material scientists and chemists to come up with a way to turn spoiled milk into protein, which can then be spun into fibre to create yarn.
There are three main steps to turn milk into clothing:
Obtain milk and other dairy products from farms, food processing, and grocery stores. “Protein Activation” and “Self-Assembly Purification” technology, developed by Mi Terro, is used to extract and purify the protein molecules from the spoiled milk bacteria to create the base component of the clothing. The clean casein protein is spun into fibers using “Dynamic Flow Shear Spinning”. This forms the yarn that can be used to make t-shirts, underwear, and bags [3].
This process that the team at Mi Terro created uses sixty percent less water than what is required to make a shirt from organic cotton. They are also three times softer because of the milk protein content, are moisture-wicking, block UV light, are breathable, anti-bacterial, and odor-free [5].
“We are redefining the circular economy in which everything begins with food waste and ends as recyclable or biodegradable,” says Luo [4].
Seeing Success
The company barely over a year ago in June 2019, and has already made over one hundred thousand dollars, and sold products in forty countries around the world. There are over ten styles of t-shirt available, all of which are machine-washable.
Currently, the company is discussing strategic partnerships with leading dairy companies in China [4].
Read: First Floating Ocean Hybrid Platform Can Generate Power From Waves, Wind And Solar
Other Ways to Reduce Food Waste
You may not be able to develop your own process for how to turn food waste into clothing, but there are many other ways that you can reduce the amount of food you and your family wastes on a regular basis:
1. Make your food last longer
Plan ahead so that you know what you are going to cook that week so you don’t buy food you don’t need. Check expiry dates, but remember that most food can be eaten even when it’s past the date on the label- just make sure it looks and smells ok. If you aren’t able to finish something right away, you can also consider freezing it to be eaten later- you’d be surprised at how many foods can be frozen.
2. Consider using an app
Flashfood is an app that re-sells grocery foods that are approaching their best-before dates at a discount and saves “not good enough” items and ships them to customers. Farmers and growers can also give Flashfood items that were rejected by grocery stores to be sent to consumers.
Food For All is an app that operates in New York City and Boston. It connects customers with restaurants one hour before they close for meal discounts as high as eighty percent. Users can also donate food to people in need through the app.
Foodfully allows users to track what they buy at the grocery store and sends you notifications before your purchases go bad. It also suggests recipes based on what you have in your fridge. Store food properly. Often, fruits and vegetables ripen prematurely and spoil because they are stored improperly. Some foods, like potatoes, like potatoes, tomatoes, garlic, and onions should never be refrigerated. Other foods should be separated from each other. For example, foods that produce ethylene gas, like bananas, avocados, tomatoes, cantaloupe, peaches, pears, and green onions, can cause other produce around them to ripen too quickly, and should be kept in a separate storage area [6].
3. Preserve your food.
Pickling, drying, fermenting, canning, freezing, and curing are all ways to preserve fresh food for a much longer time. Most of these techniques are very simple, will save you money, and will allow you to enjoy the delicious fruits and vegetables from the harvest season all winter long [6].
4. De-clutter your fridge
Keep your fridge organized so you can clearly see foods and know when it was purchased. Use the “first in, first out” method, which means when you come home from the grocery store, put the new items behind the old items so you can clearly see which ones should get used up first [6].
5. Use the odds and ends
Stems, ends, and peels of produce may not taste great in a salad, but they can add a boost of nutrition and flavor to smoothies, or be used to make a delicious stock for soups and stews [6].
6. If possible, compost
Not everyone has the space for an outdoor composting system, but there are also countertop composting systems that work well for people living in tighter quarters. Adding compost to your garden gives your plants a host of beneficial nutrients to help them grow [6].
The bottom line is that food waste is a problem all over the world. While companies like Mi Terro are doing amazing work to reduce the amount of global food waste, it is important as consumers that we are also doing our part to reduce what gets wasted in our own homes.


theheartysoul--2020-07-23--How To Make Your Own Marshmallows That Are So Healthy You’ll Want To Eat the Whole Batch

Love marshmallows but also want to avoid processed , sugar-packed foods ?
Here ’ s a healthy marshmallow recipe for you !
There ’ s no candy quite like marshmallows .
Their texture is uniquely fluffy , sweet , and with a hint of vanilla .
There are delicious roasted over a campfire , puffed into smores , popped over hot cocoa , or skewered next to a decadent pot of chocolate fondue .
From sweet potato pie to Rice Krispy treats , it ’ s hard to imagine the world without this odd candy .
Marshmallow is actually a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the mallow family and grows mostly in marshy areas , which is how it got its name .
The Greeks used to use marshmallow to heal wounds and alleviate sore throats .
It continued as a medicinal aid when Arabs made poultice from its leaves and Romans found it an effective laxative .
When the Middle Ages rolled around , marshmallow was an all-purpose cure .
The Ancient Egyptians were the first to turn it into a sweet treat when they mixed marshmallow sap with honey and nuts , a dessert fit for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ confectioners created Pâté de guimauve , a soft dessert with a sponge-like texture .
They made it by whipping dried marshmallow roots with sugar , water , and egg whites .
However , this process took days to produce , so they cut time by substituting gelatin for the marshmallow root .
After the marshmallow came to the U.S. , a 1927 Girls Scouts Handbook advertised a recipe called “ Some More , ” telling the readers to toast marshmallow until they ’ re gooey and makea sandwich with chocolate and graham crackers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ came to be .
[ 1 ] Read : 4 Delicious Desserts That No One Will Guess Are Actually Healthy Behind the Recipe of Healthier Marshmallows It ’ s a shame that marshmallows are packed with an array of processed ingredients like these : Eating too much sugar can lead to a host of negative health effects .
For a healthier alternative , this recipe uses honey , which should be eaten in moderation since it is still a source of sugar .
However , honey is rich with antioxidants and traces of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ In this recipe , the honey content is much less than the corn syrup and sugar used in most marshmallow recipes .
If you ’ d like to reduce your sugar consumption even more , you can try using this ketogenic simple syrup that is sweetened with monk fruit .
The taste will be slightly altered .
Our recipe today contains simple ingredients along with honey : vanilla extract , gelatin powder , salt , water , and that ’ s it !
If you ’ d like , you can try this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Wellness Mama .
Marshmallow root is still regarded as a natural medicine because of its mucilage content .
It could be used to treat coughs , colds , skin irritations , wounds , sore throats , digestive conditions , and other disorders .
Keep in mind that marshmallow root could interact with lithium and diabetes medication .
Also , avoid consumption if you are pregnant or breastfeeding .
[ 3 ] For vegan marshmallows , use agar agar instead of gelatin or check out this recipe by Hidden Veggies .
Without further ado @ @ @ @ @ @ @ waiting for .
Recipe by Kimi Harris from the Nourishing Gourmet • Lightly grease a loaf pan then cover it with parchment paper ( with enough paper to hang over the sides of the pan on one side ) , then grease the parchment paper .
• Put ¼ cup of water in a medium bowl ( or in the bowl of a mixer with an attached whisk ) , and sprinkle the gelatin over the water .
Set aside to soften .
• In a small pot , place the honey , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of water .
Turn on medium heat .
• Using a candy thermometer , bring the mixture to 240 degrees .
( Because this is such a small amount of liquid , you may find it difficult to get an accurate temperature .
You can also test it by dribbling a little of the liquid into a bowl of ice-cold water .
It should form little soft balls when cooled in the water and removed .
It takes about 7–8 minutes to reach this texture . )
• Remove from the heat as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ right temperature .
• Using a hand mixer on low , very carefully mix the hot syrup into the gelatin mixture by pouring the syrup in a drizzle down the side of the bowl .
• Once it ’ s all combined , add the vanilla and increase the speed to high .
• Beat for 12–15 minutes , or until the mixture is thick and fluffy ( it will look like marshmallow fluff ) .
• Scrape the fluff into the prepared pan and leave , uncovered , for 4–12 hours to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ½ cup of unsweetened coconut flakes .
Sprinkle half of it on the bottom of the pan , scrap in the marshmallow mixture , and sprinkle the tope with the rest of the coconut flakes .

How To Make Your Own Marshmallows. They’re Actually Healthy So You’ll Want To Eat the Whole Batch
Love marshmallows but also want to avoid processed, sugar-packed foods? Here’s a healthy marshmallow recipe for you!
There’s no candy quite like marshmallows. Their texture is uniquely fluffy, sweet, and with a hint of vanilla. There are delicious roasted over a campfire, puffed into smores, popped over hot cocoa, or skewered next to a decadent pot of chocolate fondue. From sweet potato pie to Rice Krispy treats, it’s hard to imagine the world without this odd candy.
A Quick History of Marshmallows
Marshmallow is actually a plant. It’s part of the mallow family and grows mostly in marshy areas, which is how it got its name. The Greeks used to use marshmallow to heal wounds and alleviate sore throats. It continued as a medicinal aid when Arabs made poultice from its leaves and Romans found it an effective laxative. When the Middle Ages rolled around, marshmallow was an all-purpose cure.
The Ancient Egyptians were the first to turn it into a sweet treat when they mixed marshmallow sap with honey and nuts, a dessert fit for nobility. In 19th century France, confectioners created Pâté de guimauve, a soft dessert with a sponge-like texture. They made it by whipping dried marshmallow roots with sugar, water, and egg whites. However, this process took days to produce, so they cut time by substituting gelatin for the marshmallow root.
After the marshmallow came to the U.S., a 1927 Girls Scouts Handbook advertised a recipe called “Some More,” telling the readers to toast marshmallow until they’re gooey and makea sandwich with chocolate and graham crackers. This is how s’mores came to be. [1]
Behind the Recipe of Healthier Marshmallows
It’s a shame that marshmallows are packed with an array of processed ingredients like these:
Corn syrup
Sugar
Dextrose
Modified food starch (corn)
Artificial flavor
Tetrasodium pyrophosphate
Eating too much sugar can lead to a host of negative health effects. For a healthier alternative, this recipe uses honey, which should be eaten in moderation since it is still a source of sugar. However, honey is rich with antioxidants and traces of vitamins and minerals. [2] In this recipe, the honey content is much less than the corn syrup and sugar used in most marshmallow recipes. If you’d like to reduce your sugar consumption even more, you can try using this ketogenic simple syrup that is sweetened with monk fruit. The taste will be slightly altered.
Our recipe today contains simple ingredients along with honey: vanilla extract, gelatin powder, salt, water, and that’s it! If you’d like, you can try this recipe that includes marshmallow root powder from Wellness Mama.
For vegan marshmallows, use agar agar instead of gelatin or check out this recipe by Hidden Veggies.
Without further ado, the recipe you’ve been waiting for.
Healthy Homemade Marshmallows
Recipe by Kimi Harris from the Nourishing Gourmet
Ingredients
1 1/2 tablespoons grass-fed gelatin (or agar agar for a vegan option)
1/2 cup cold water
1/2 cup honey (or maple syrup)
1/8 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Lightly grease a loaf pan then cover it with parchment paper (with enough paper to hang over the sides of the pan on one side), then grease the parchment paper. Put ¼ cup of water in a medium bowl (or in the bowl of a mixer with an attached whisk), and sprinkle the gelatin over the water. Set aside to soften. In a small pot, place the honey, salt, and the other ¼ cup of water. Turn on medium heat. Using a candy thermometer, bring the mixture to 240 degrees. (Because this is such a small amount of liquid, you may find it difficult to get an accurate temperature. You can also test it by dribbling a little of the liquid into a bowl of ice-cold water. It should form little soft balls when cooled in the water and removed. It takes about 7–8 minutes to reach this texture.) Remove from the heat as soon as it’s at the right temperature. Using a hand mixer on low, very carefully mix the hot syrup into the gelatin mixture by pouring the syrup in a drizzle down the side of the bowl. Once it’s all combined, add the vanilla and increase the speed to high. Beat for 12–15 minutes, or until the mixture is thick and fluffy (it will look like marshmallow fluff). Scrape the fluff into the prepared pan and leave, uncovered, for 4–12 hours to dry. Cut into squares as serve.
Coconut Version: Toast about ½ cup of unsweetened coconut flakes. Sprinkle half of it on the bottom of the pan, scrap in the marshmallow mixture, and sprinkle the tope with the rest of the coconut flakes.
Cocoa Version: Roll finished and cut marshmallows into cocoa powder.
Keep Reading: Carrot Cake Muffins Recipe With Cheesecake Fillings (GF, Vegan, Paleo Option)


theheartysoul--2020-07-23--Geologists say a new ocean is opening up in Africa

About two hundred million years ago , the supercontinent Pangea , which made up all the landmass on Earth , began to break apart .
Eventually , the now separate land masses spread apart to form the modern continents we have today , and the Atlantic and Indian Oceans [ 1 ] .
Scientists are now saying that one day we may have a new continent , because Africa is breaking apart .
Right now , the tectonic plates in Africa are gradually splitting , and will one day break apart to form a new continent- and a new ocean @ @ @ @ @ @ @ made up of three tectonic plates– the Arabian , Nubian , and Somali tectonic plates .
Right now , the three plates are slowly pulling away from each other , creating a massive rift and slowly forming a new ocean [ 2 ] .
This is a complex geological process , and scientists are saying that in five to ten million years , the current continent of Africa will be split in two .
For now , the only evidence of this is a 35-mile-long crack stretching across the Ethiopian desert [ 3 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ record of Earth ’ s magnetic field reversal in its rings discovered The Earth ’ s outer shell is divided into several plates that glide over the mantle- the rocky inner layer found above the Earth ’ s core .
There are nine major plates , each one named for the landform that rests upon it .
They are : When hot material near the Earth ’ s core rises , and colder convection rock sinks , this convection causes the plates to push and pull apart- this is called plate tectonics .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ exactly the plates move .
Mid-ocean ridges are where the plates pull apart , so there are gaps between the tectonic plates .
Hot magma swells up at the ridges , forming a new ocean crust and pushing the plates apart .
The shifting of tectonic plates is also responsible for volcanoes , and other natural phenomena like the San Andreas Fault in California [ 4 ] .
Read : Fragments of an Ancient Lost Continent Have Been Discovered in the Canadian Arctic How a New Ocean is Formed New satellite measurements are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ plates in Africa are moving , and allowing them to study the gradual birth of a new ocean .
In addition to the nine major plates , the Earth ’ s crust is made up of a dozen large plates that are constantly moving- mashin against each other , climbing over , sliding under , or stretching apart from each other .
The Arabian plate has been moving away from Africa for the past thirty million years , which has caused the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden to form .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Nubian plate along the East African Rift Valley , which extends through Ethiopia and Kenya .
Scientists are still not one hundred percent sure what is causing these plates to pull apart .
One theory is that a massive plum of superheated rocks are rising from the mantle beneath East Africa , driving the region ’ s continental rift .
Advanced GPS instruments have allowed scientists over the last few years to get precise measurements of how the ground moves over time .
Cynthia Ebinger , a geophysicist at Tulane University in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of field research campaigns in the region .
She has studied the 35-mile crack in Ethiopia ’ s desert , which opened up in 2005 .
She says that the split was the equivalent of several hundred years of tectonic plate movement in just a few days .
Through her research , she has determined that the rifting process isn ’ t always smooth , nor does it happen at a steady rate .
Sometimes , as is the case in Ethiopia , there might be some intense , sudden jerks .
She @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rising magma could be causing explosive events like the one in Africa , like an over-filled balloon that could pop at even the slightest touch .
Moore says that Afar is the only place on Earth where you can study how a continental rift turns into an oceanic rift , and is one of the most geologically unique places on the planet .
It is also an extremely challenging environment- Afar is the hottest inhabited town on Earth .
The three plates are spreading at different , very slow speeds .
The Arabian @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a speed of about one inch per year , while the other two plates are separating at a rate of about half an inch to 0.2 inches per year .
As they split apart , the Gulf of Aden and the Red Sea will flood in over the Afar region and into the East African Rift Valley .
This will create a new ocean in Africa , and part of East Africa will become its own separate continent .
It is slow , but researchers say there are clear signs that this movement @ @ @ @ @ @ @ t happen in our lifetime , but millions of years from now the Earth may have one more continent and one more ocean .
Keep Reading : A Tectonic Plate May Have Peeled Apart – and That Could Shrink the Atlantic Ocean

About two hundred million years ago, the supercontinent Pangea, which made up all the landmass on Earth, began to break apart. Eventually, the now separate landmasses spread apart to form the modern continents we have today, and the Atlantic and Indian Oceans [1].
Scientists are now saying that one day we may have a new continent because Africa is breaking apart. Right now, the tectonic plates are gradually splitting, and will one day break apart to form a new continent- and a new ocean in Africa.
A New Ocean in Africa
Ethiopia’s Afar region is made up of three tectonic plates– the Arabian, Nubian, and Somali tectonic plates. Right now, the three plates are slowly pulling away from each other, creating a massive rift and slowly forming a new ocean [2].
This is a complex geological process, and scientists are saying that in five to ten million years, the current continent of Africa will be split in two. For now, the only evidence of this is a 35-mile-long crack stretching across the Ethiopian desert [3].
What is a Tectonic Plate?
The Earth’s outer shell is divided into several plates that glide over the mantle- the rocky inner layer found above the Earth’s core. There are nine major plates, each one named for the landform that rests upon it. They are:
The North American The Pacific The Eurasian The African The Indo-Australian The Australian The Indian The South American The Antarctic
When hot material near the Earth’s core rises, and colder convection rock sinks, this convection causes the plates to push and pull apart- this is called plate tectonics. Scientists are still studying and debating how exactly the plates move.
Mid-ocean ridges are where the plates pull apart, so there are gaps between the tectonic plates. Hot magma swells up at the ridges, forming a new ocean crust and pushing the plates apart. The shifting of tectonic plates is also responsible for volcanoes, and other natural phenomena like the San Andreas Fault in California [4].
Read: Rare Footage of Giant Phantom Jellyfish from 3,200 Feet Under the Sea
How a New Ocean is Formed
New satellite measurements are allowing scientists to better understand how the plates in Africa are moving, and allowing them to study the gradual birth of a new ocean.
In addition to the nine major plates, the Earth’s crust is made up of a dozen large plates that are constantly moving- mashing against each other, climbing over, sliding under, or stretching apart from each other.
The Arabian plate has been moving away from Africa for the past thirty million years, which has caused the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden to form. The Somali plate is also stretching away from the Nubian plate along the East African Rift Valley, which extends through Ethiopia and Kenya.
Scientists are still not one hundred percent sure what is causing these plates to pull apart. One theory is that a massive plum of superheated rocks are rising from the mantle beneath East Africa, driving the region’s continental rift.
Advanced GPS instruments have allowed scientists over the last few years to get precise measurements of how the ground moves over time.
“With GPS measurements, you can measure rates of movement down to a few millimeters per year,” said Ken Macdonald, a marine geophysicist and professor emeritus at the University of California, Santa Barbara. “As we get more and more measurements from GPS, we can get a much greater sense of what’s going on.” [3]
Cynthia Ebinger, a geophysicist at Tulane University in New Orleans, has conducted a number of field research campaigns in the region. She has studied the 35-mile crack in Ethiopia’s desert, which opened up in 2005. She says that the split was the equivalent of several hundred years of tectonic plate movement in just a few days.
Through her research, she has determined that the rifting process isn’t always smooth, nor does it happen at a steady rate. Sometimes, as is the case in Ethiopia, there might be some intense, sudden jerks.
She has a theory that built-up pressure from rising magma could be causing explosive events like the one in Africa, like an over-filled balloon that could pop at even the slightest touch.
“We’re trying to understand the straw that breaks the camel’s back,” she said [3].
Read: Archaeologists In Pompeii Break Into a Secret Room, Then Freeze At The Sight Within
A Unique and Challenging Environment
Moore says that Afar is the only place on Earth where you can study how a continental rift turns into an oceanic rift, and is one of the most geologically unique places on the planet.
“We can see that oceanic crust is starting to form, because it’s distinctly different from continental crust in its composition and density.” [3]
It is also an extremely challenging environment- Afar is the hottest inhabited town on Earth.
“It has been called Dante’s inferno,” said Ebinger. “Daytime temperatures often go to 130 degrees Fahrenheit and they cool off to a balmy 95 degrees at night.” [3]
The three plates are spreading at different, very slow speeds. The Arabian plate is moving away from Africa at a speed of about one inch per year, while the other two plates are separating at a rate of about half an inch to 0.2 inches per year.
As they split apart, the Gulf of Aden and the Red Sea will flood in over the Afar region and into the East African Rift Valley. This will create a new ocean in Africa, and part of East Africa will become its own separate continent.
It is slow, but researchers say there are clear signs that this movement is taking place. It won’t happen in our lifetime, but millions of years from now the Earth may have one more continent and one more ocean.
Keep Reading: Ancient tree tells chaotic tale of Earth’s magnetic field reversal
Sources
“Pangea.” Britannica “GEOLOGISTS SAY A NEW OCEAN IS OPENING UP IN AFRICA.” Futurism. Dan Robitzski. July 17, 2020. “The African continent is very slowly peeling apart. Scientists say a new ocean is being born.” NBC News. Denise Chow. July 16, 2020. “What is plate tectonics?” Live Science. Tiffany Means. May 26, 2021
This article originally appeared on The Hearty Soul and has been published here with permission.