theheartysoul--2020-11-25--707-Pound Man Refused to Lose Weight, Said ‘I’ll Eat ‘Til I’m Dead’ Where is He Now?

Just a few years ago at age 34 , Casey King was 707 pounds , had no money , no job , and lived with his dad .
Featured on TLC ’ s Family By The Ton , viewers knew King as “ the man who refused to lose weight ” .
( 1 ) Now weighing 310 pounds , he has had quite the health journey – and it ’ s not over yet .
( 2 ) Casey King : The Man Who Refused to Lose Weight Casey King is known from season two of Family By The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lose weight .
In the first episode of the show he was quoted saying : He needed his father for nearly everything , including even wiping himself after going to the washroom .
( 1 ) Since then , however , he has had a dramatic turnaround .
Now , a couple of years later , he weighs 310 pounds and is still working towards his goal of 250 pounds .
( 2 ) When the show first started filming King and his cousins Amy and Amanda ’ s journeys , King was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) He very much blamed his parents for the way he was and didn ’ t really see a way out .
His weight prevented him from keeping his job and he had no real path in life .
( 4 ) With the guidance of a doctor , Casey and his father made major changes to his diet and exercise habits .
His mother also got involved to help him implement the changes .
King then underwent weight loss surgery to move the process along .
( 4 ) Now nearly 400 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ quite different .
King had to quit his job previously because his weight made it too difficult for him to work .
As he gained more and more pounds , his ability to have a job became a pipe dream .
( 2 ) Today , he works at Home Depot .
In a post that he shared on both his Facebook and Instagram pages , he thanked Home Depot for hiring him during a time when job hunting is so difficult .
( 2 ) In the past , flying was always @ @ @ @ @ @ @ physically but also mentally and emotionally .
Before , he required a seatbelt extension .
Often those assigned to the seat next to him requested a different one because it was uncomfortable for them , too .
( 2 ) Now , he can fly just like the “ normal ” people do .
( 2 ) Read : Emotional Moment 12-Year-Old Delivers Her Own Baby Brother Captured On Camera He ’ s Happier Than Ever Before Recently , King celebrated his 36th birthday with a small birthday party with some friends and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Instagram of him on his 35th birthday compared to this year , and the transformation is truly amazing .
( 2 ) In his caption , he wrote : He Isn ’ t Done Yet King is extremely proud of his progress , however , he makes it quite clear that he isn ’ t done yet .
With his goal weight in sight , he will continue to work hard and continue on his lifestyle journey .
Refused to lose weight ?
More like refusing to give up !
King has come @ @ @ @ @ @ @ t wear anything but sweat clothes and had to bathe in a trough outside .
( 1 ) “ The man who refused to lose weight ” is now an example of how it is never too late to turn your life around .
With determination and external help , anything is possible .
Keep Reading : Harvard-Trained Brain Researcher Has a Stroke And Figures Out The Mystery of Life

Just a few years ago at age 34, Casey King was 707 pounds, had no money, no job, and lived with his dad. Featured on TLC’s Family By The Ton, viewers knew King as “the man who refused to lose weight”. (1) Now weighing 310 pounds, he has had quite the health journey – and it’s not over yet. (2)
Casey King: The Man Who Refused to Lose Weight
Casey King is known from season two of Family By The Ton as the man who refuses to lose weight. In the first episode of the show he was quoted saying:
“I was just eating ’til I’m dead,” he said on camera. “I never would’ve thought at 34 I’d be living with my father, I’d have no job, have no real money, and just be playing video games all day and eating.” (1)
He needed his father for nearly everything, including even wiping himself after going to the washroom. (1) Since then, however, he has had a dramatic turnaround. Now, a couple of years later, he weighs 310 pounds and is still working towards his goal of 250 pounds. (2)
A Dramatic Transformation
When the show first started filming King and his cousins Amy and Amanda’s journeys, King was at an all-time low. (3) He very much blamed his parents for the way he was and didn’t really see a way out. His weight prevented him from keeping his job and he had no real path in life. (4)
“My mom said, ‘To live in this house you have to have a job,’ so she kicked me out and the only place I had to go was my father’s, so I went there. Basically, his one thing he knew made me happy was food so we just ate like kings, but in the worse way.” (4)
With the guidance of a doctor, Casey and his father made major changes to his diet and exercise habits. His mother also got involved to help him implement the changes. King then underwent weight loss surgery to move the process along. (4)
Image Credit: Casey King-TLC Family By The Ton | Facebook
Now nearly 400 pounds lighter, his life is looking quite different.
He Has a Job
King had to quit his job previously because his weight made it too difficult for him to work. As he gained more and more pounds, his ability to have a job became a pipe dream. (2)
Today, he works at Home Depot. In a post that he shared on both his Facebook and Instagram pages, he thanked Home Depot for hiring him during a time when job hunting is so difficult. (2)
“I truly appreciate the opportunity I’ve been given and I’m trying to really take it all in and enjoy it. I didn’t know if I’d be capable of handling the hours, working night shift, and just the responsibility involved but here I am #thriving .” He wrote. (2)
He Can Fly Comfortably
In the past, flying was always extremely uncomfortable for King, not just physically but also mentally and emotionally. Before, he required a seatbelt extension. Often those assigned to the seat next to him requested a different one because it was uncomfortable for them, too. (2)
Now, he can fly just like the “normal” people do. (2)
“I immediately got emotional because it’s something I overly worried about, I didn’t wanna be the guy that made someone request a different seat, I didn’t wanna be the guy that made someone uncomfortable, I didn’t wanna be the guy that needed an extension, I didn’t wanna be the person I used to be and have all these things that I needed to be comfortable.” he explained. “I just wanted to be #normal and #blend in with everyone else.” (2)
He’s Happier Than Ever Before
Recently, King celebrated his 36th birthday with a small birthday party with some friends and family. He shared pictures on his Instagram of him on his 35th birthday compared to this year, and the transformation is truly amazing. (2)
In his caption, he wrote:
“Feels good to turn 36 and know I still have years of life left to live, #happyandhealthy and feeling damn good. Thanks for the love, thanks for the birthday messages, thanks for the endless support. I appreciate you all, take care of yourselves and enjoy the upcoming holidays.” (2)
He Isn’t Done Yet
King is extremely proud of his progress, however, he makes it quite clear that he isn’t done yet. With his goal weight in sight, he will continue to work hard and continue on his lifestyle journey.
“Focus on what you want in life and where you wanna be, anything is possible if you work for it. Apparently I’m an example of that, just quoting someone else.” He wrote on Instagram. “I’m not exactly where I wanna be but I’m definitely working towards it, #thanks for the #love and support.” (2)
Refused to lose weight? More like refusing to give up!
King has come a long way from when couldn’t wear anything but sweat clothes and had to bathe in a trough outside. (1) “The man who refused to lose weight” is now an example of how it is never too late to turn your life around. With determination and external help, anything is possible.
Keep Reading: ‘Keep your rear in the clear’: Woman diagnosed with colon cancer at 40 shares symptoms
Sources


theheartysoul--2020-11-25--Smart vultures never, ever cross the Spain-Portugal border. Why?

As humans , we care very much about the imaginary borders we ’ ve created between countries .
Animals , of course , do not .
Their movement patterns and ways of life are not dictated by international politics , but rather instincts , weather , and food availability .
Vultures , however , appear to be avoiding one particular border : Portugal .
These scavenger birds are clearly not avoiding the Potugese border for political reasons , so what is going on ?
The story of the Iberian vultures is an example of how policy decisions can change wildlife @ @ @ @ @ @ @ percent of all the scavenging birds of prey in Europe .
Their main source of food is carrion- the decaying flesh of dead animals .
These birds will fly between three hundred and four hundred kilometers per day to find a carrion meal .
Of course , vultures do not care about country lines in their search for food .
That being said , over the last several years the birds have been avoiding the Portugese border as if they were aware that it was a separate country [ 1 ] .Advertisement Researchers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vultures and tracked them for three years .
During this time , only thirteen of those birds ever ventured into Portugal .
Why ?
According to their study , it has to do with the availability of carcasses [ 2 ] .
In 2001 , the European Union mandated that farmers immediately bury or incinerate dead cattle .
They made this law in order to curb the spread of mad cow disease .
In 2011 , however , the EU changed regulations to allow countries to decide for themselves if they should leave @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not .
Given their massive vulture ( and other carrion bird ) population , Spain decided to lift the 2001 mandate .
In Portugal , however , the rule is still in place .
This means that there is plenty of food for the vultures in Spain , and virtually none in Portugal .
Thus , the birds have no reason to go there [ 3 ] .
The researchers pointed out that since there are no major differences in climate or geography on either side of the border , the availability of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ abrupt decline in vultures crossing into Portugal .
AdvertisementEneko Arrondo is a doctoral student at the Doñana Biological Station ( EBD-CSIC ) and the main author of the study .
He explains that the measures the EU took to contain mad cow disease were very drastic .
The ban on carrion affected the Iberian Peninsula significantly , since it is an international reservoir for carrion birds because it took away their food source .
He and several others worked hard to have the mandate changed to protect the livelihoods of these animals .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Spain allowed for the storage of animal carcasses in certain areas .
Portugal , however , never changed its policy .
Nicolás López is the head of threatened species at SEO / BirdLife .
According to the study authors , international integration of sanitary policies is necessary for the conservation of animals like vultures , who travel hundreds of kilometers in a day .
Arrondo says that this will be very important for the recovery of vulture populations in Portugal .
How To Fix the Carrion Shortage Joaquim Teodósio is a spokesman for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ subsidiary of BirdLife International .
His organization is working with the General Directorate of Food and Veterinary Medicine ( DGAV ) and the Institute of Forest and Nature Conservation ( ICNF , for its acronym in Portuguese ) .Advertisement Together , they are working to solve the carrion shortage in Portugal .
One of their proposals is to implement closed areas where farmers can leave carcasses .
Another is to give permits to farmers so they can leave carrion in authorized fields .
Not only would this be beneficial for the vultures , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ financial burden of collecting dead animals , transporting them , and disposing of them [ 1 ] .
The plight of the Portugese vultures is an example of how a political border can become an ecological one if countries and regions don ’ t work together to create policies that protect wildlife .
Keep Reading : The Coconut Crab Kills Birds And Breaks Bones – And May Have Eaten Amelia Earhart Alive

As humans, we care very much about the imaginary borders we’ve created between countries. Animals, of course, do not. Their movement patterns and ways of life are not dictated by international politics, but rather instincts, weather, and food availability. Vultures, however, appear to be avoiding one particular border: Portugal.
These scavenger birds are clearly not avoiding the Potugese border for political reasons, so what is going on? The story of the Iberian vultures is an example of how policy decisions can change wildlife behaviour.
Why Are Vultures Avoiding Portugal?
Spain is home to 90 percent of all the scavenging birds of prey in Europe. Their main source of food is carrion- the decaying flesh of dead animals. These birds will fly between three hundred and four hundred kilometers per day to find a carrion meal.
Of course, vultures do not care about country lines in their search for food. That being said, over the last several years the birds have been avoiding the Portugese border as if they were aware that it was a separate country [1].
Researchers from both Spain and Portugal tagged 71 vultures and tracked them for three years. During this time, only thirteen of those birds ever ventured into Portugal. Why? According to their study, it has to do with the availability of carcasses [2].
In 2001, the European Union mandated that farmers immediately bury or incinerate dead cattle. They made this law in order to curb the spread of mad cow disease. In 2011, however, the EU changed regulations to allow countries to decide for themselves if they should leave the carcasses out in the open or not.
Given their massive vulture (and other carrion bird) population, Spain decided to lift the 2001 mandate. In Portugal, however, the rule is still in place. This means that there is plenty of food for the vultures in Spain, and virtually none in Portugal. Thus, the birds have no reason to go there [3].
The researchers pointed out that since there are no major differences in climate or geography on either side of the border, the availability of carcasses is the primary reason for the abrupt decline in vultures crossing into Portugal.
Read: Mushrooms Can Eat Plastic, Petroleum and CO2
Species Pay the Price of Carrion Ban
Eneko Arrondo is a doctoral student at the Doñana Biological Station (EBD-CSIC) and the main author of the study. He explains that the measures the EU took to contain mad cow disease were very drastic. The ban on carrion affected the Iberian Peninsula significantly, since it is an international reservoir for carrion birds because it took away their food source.
He and several others worked hard to have the mandate changed to protect the livelihoods of these animals.
“Thanks to scientific work and the involvement of many managers in Spain, it was found that [European legislation] had a very negative environmental impact. So much data was put on the table that Europe understood,” he said [1].
In 2011, a Royal Decree in Spain allowed for the storage of animal carcasses in certain areas. Portugal, however, never changed its policy. Nicolás López is the head of threatened species at SEO / BirdLife.
“Now there is the paradox that there is a different regulation within the Iberian Peninsula in each country,” he says, “and threatened species pay the price for administrative borders.” [1]
According to the study authors, international integration of sanitary policies is necessary for the conservation of animals like vultures, who travel hundreds of kilometers in a day. Arrondo says that this will be very important for the recovery of vulture populations in Portugal.
How To Fix the Carrion Shortage
Joaquim Teodósio is a spokesman for the Portuguese conservation NGO SPEA, a subsidiary of BirdLife International. His organization is working with the General Directorate of Food and Veterinary Medicine (DGAV) and the Institute of Forest and Nature Conservation (ICNF, for its acronym in Portuguese).
Together, they are working to solve the carrion shortage in Portugal. One of their proposals is to implement closed areas where farmers can leave carcasses. Another is to give permits to farmers so they can leave carrion in authorized fields.
Not only would this be beneficial for the vultures, it would also take away the large financial burden of collecting dead animals, transporting them, and disposing of them [1].
The plight of the Portugese vultures is an example of how a political border can become an ecological one if countries and regions don’t work together to create policies that protect wildlife.
Keep Reading: The Coconut Crab Kills Birds And Breaks Bones – And May Have Eaten Amelia Earhart Alive


theheartysoul--2020-11-25--World’s First Complete T-Rex Skeleton Finally Revealed To Public 67 Million Years After It Was Burie

World’s First Complete T-Rex Skeleton Finally Revealed To Public 67 Million Years After It Was Buried

Discovered back in 2006 , scientists have finally revealed the world ’ s first-ever fully complete T-rex skeleton .
Found locked in a battle to the death with a Triceratops , the dueling dinosaurs are a true paleontological marvel .
( 1 ) 67-million years ago , a T-Rex and a Triceratops perished after falling during an epic battle to the death .
Nicknamed The Dueling Dinosaurs , they were preserved together in what is thought to be a predator-prey situation .
( 1 ) In 2006 , a cattle rancher and two friends , all of whom are professional @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in sediment in Montana .
( 2 ) The pair are so immaculately well-preserved that you can still see their body outlines , skin impressions , and their injuries .
There are even T-rex teeth stuck in the Triceratops ’ side !
( 2 ) The excavation of the 14-ton T-rex skeleton and it ’ s equally heavy Triceratops counterpart took years .
The long wait is worth it , however , as this discovery is being described as ‘ one of the most important paleontological discoveries of our time ’ .
It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ skeleton ever found .
( 1 ) Advertisement “ We have not yet studied this specimen ; it is a scientific frontier , ” explains Dr. Lindsay Zanno , head of paleontology at the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences .
“ The preservation is phenomenal , and we plan to use every technological innovation available to reveal new information on the biology of the T. rex and Triceratops.
” ( 1 ) She went on to remark that this discovery will surely change our view of these two extremely popular dinosaurs .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ T-Rex Skeleton Friends of the North Carolina Museum for Natural Sciences purchased The Dueling Dinosaurs at auction .
The non-profit group then donated to the museum , where the two dinosaurs will be on display .
( 2 ) The North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences plans to open the Dueling Dinosaurs exhibition in 2022 .
( 3 ) Currently , the two carcasses remain encased in sediment , where paleontologists will study them further before being set up for display .
The bones are still all in their natural positions , providing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ them like never before .
( 1 ) It will be very exciting to learn what the scientists discover about two of the world ’ s favorite dinosaurs .
We can ’ t wait to visit the exhibition when it is ready .
Keep Reading : Dinosaur ‘ Mummy ’ Is So Well-Preserved It Even Has The Skin And Guts Intact

Discovered back in 2006, scientists have finally revealed the world’s first-ever fully complete T-rex skeleton. Found locked in a battle to the death with a Triceratops, the dueling dinosaurs are a true paleontological marvel. (1)
The World’s First-Ever Complete T-Rex Skeleton
67-million years ago, a T-Rex and a Triceratops perished after falling during an epic battle to the death. Nicknamed The Dueling Dinosaurs, they were preserved together in what is thought to be a predator-prey situation. (1)
Image Credit: Matt Zeher / SWNS
In 2006, a cattle rancher and two friends, all of whom are professional fossil hunters, found the remains encased in sediment in Montana. (2) The pair are so immaculately well-preserved that you can still see their body outlines, skin impressions, and their injuries. There are even T-rex teeth stuck in the Triceratops’ side! (2)
A Long Excavation Process
The excavation of the 14-ton T-rex skeleton and it’s equally heavy Triceratops counterpart took years. The long wait is worth it, however, as this discovery is being described as ‘one of the most important paleontological discoveries of our time’. It is the only 100% complete T-rex skeleton ever found. (1)
Image Credit: Matt Zeher / SWNS
“ We have not yet studied this specimen; it is a scientific frontier,” explains Dr. Lindsay Zanno, head of paleontology at the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences. “The preservation is phenomenal, and we plan to use every technological innovation available to reveal new information on the biology of the T. rex and Triceratops.” (1)
She went on to remark that this discovery will surely change our view of these two extremely popular dinosaurs. (1)
Where to See The T-Rex Skeleton
Friends of the North Carolina Museum for Natural Sciences purchased The Dueling Dinosaurs at auction. The non-profit group then donated to the museum, where the two dinosaurs will be on display. (2)
Image Credit: Matt Zeher / SWNS
The North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences plans to open the Dueling Dinosaurs exhibition in 2022. (3) Currently, the two carcasses remain encased in sediment, where paleontologists will study them further before being set up for display. The bones are still all in their natural positions, providing the scientists with an opportunity to study them like never before. (1)
It will be very exciting to learn what the scientists discover about two of the world’s favorite dinosaurs. We can’t wait to visit the exhibition when it is ready.
Keep Reading: Dinosaur ‘Mummy’ Is So Well-Preserved It Even Has The Skin And Guts Intact


theheartysoul--2020-11-25--There’s Actually A Whole Civilization Of ‘Mole People’ Living Beneath Las Vegas

You likely know Las Vegas for its glittering lights , swanky casinos and million-dollar hotels .
What you may not know is that underneath the famed streets of the Las Vegas strip there is a whole other world .
In an extensive network of tunnels running beneath the city , there lives the mole people .
This underground community is the antithesis of the city above it .
Where the bright lights of the casino make it seem as though it ’ s always daytime , in the tunnels it ’ s always dark .
While Las Vegas attracts millions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the underground community is one of the most dangerous places in the city .
In the summer of 1975 , a summer monsoon caused a flash flood in the Las Vegas Valley that caused millions of dollars in damage [ 1 ] .
To prevent the same thing happening again , the state began building an extensive network of tunnels beneath the city .
In the case of a sudden deluge , the tunnels would redirect water underground.Advertisement There are now more than two hundred miles of tunnels that run beneath Sin @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hundreds of the state ’ s homeless people [ 2 ] .
These are the Mole People of Las Vegas .
Who Are the Mole People ?
The tunnels of Las Vegas rose to fame in 2002 when a man named Timmy Weber used them to hide from the authorities after he murdered his girlfriend .
While the Mole People of Las Vegas do have their fair share of troubles , they are not all murderers .
In fact , most of them are American citizens who , for one reason or another @ @ @ @ @ @ @ many of the people who live in these tunnels struggle with addictions , substance abuse , and mental health problems .
Some experts estimate that approximately three hundred people live here [ 3 ] .
The conditions in these tunnels can be challenging , and often dangerous .
Matthew O ’ Brien , author of “ Beneath the Neon : Life and Death in the Tunnels of Las Vegas , ” has spent countless hours down in the tunnels .
There is another danger of living in these tunnels- flooding .
Heavy rainfall @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to rush through the tunnels at speeds of up to thirty miles per hour .
Because of this , many of the city ’ s flood-related drownings have been the mole people living in the tunnels [ 3 ] .
AdvertisementAdvocates for the homeless .
Emergency first responders , and flood district personnel try to convince the mole people to leave their tunnel dwellings from June to September , which is monsoon season in the state , but they often can ’ t convince everyone .
Better Than the Street ?
For many @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the tunnels is preferable to living in the streets , despite the dangers .
As one couple put it , they don ’ t live there because they want to , they live there because they can .
Such is the case for a man named Steve and his fiance Katherine : Another resident , Amanda , has been living in the tunnels since 2018 .
She has battled drug addiction and has a criminal record .
The tunnels offer her a place to set up a home and have some roots .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ rates of urban homelessness in the entire United States .
There are approximately 5 500 homeless people in the city , but only two thousand shelter beds available .
Advertisement For social workers and medical personnel , the mole people pose a particular challenge because the nature of their dwellings makes them more difficult to reach .
As such , a few people- some of them former tunnel dwellers themselves- have set up foundations to help them .
After spending so much time speaking with the mole people , O ’ Brien now @ @ @ @ @ @ @ HELP .
O ’ Brien says that this agency helps “ the worst of the worst ” relocate into housing or shelters .
It assesses their health and drug issues , and provides them with counselling [ 5 ] .
Paul Vautrinot , a former tunnel dweller who has recovered from heroin addiction , is now a substance abuse caseworker .
He helps operate Shine a Light , a small nonprofit organization that helps people in the tunnels find safer housing and rehab programs .
Every week he leads outreach visits to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ water bottles , sandwiches , and socks to whoever wants them [ 3 ] .
In November 2019 , the city of Las Vegas made it illegal to camp or sleep on certain streets when there are shelter beds available .
Violators will either receive a fine of one thousand dollars or face six months in jail .
This won ’ t directly impact the mole people of Las Vegas .
It will , however , cause the homeless people to be less trusting of the organizations that are trying to help them @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the mole people do not see themselves leaving the tunnels anytime soon .
Not , at least , until the city can address some of its housing problems .
Until then , the dangers of living in an unpatrolled , dark , and hazardous underground world are preferable to whatever waits for them above .
Keep Reading : This Formerly Homeless Man was Booted Off His Own Purchased Mountain Property , and he ’ s not the only one

You likely know Las Vegas for its glittering lights, swanky casinos and million-dollar hotels. What you may not know is that underneath the famed streets of the Las Vegas strip there is a whole other world. In an extensive network of tunnels running beneath the city, there lives the mole people.
This underground community is the antithesis of the city above it. Where the bright lights of the casino make it seem as though it’s always daytime, in the tunnels it’s always dark. While Las Vegas attracts millions of tourists of all ages every year, the underground community is one of the most dangerous places in the city.
The Tunnels of Las Vegas
In the summer of 1975, a summer monsoon caused a flash flood in the Las Vegas Valley that caused millions of dollars in damage [1].
To prevent the same thing happening again, the state began building an extensive network of tunnels beneath the city. In the case of a sudden deluge, the tunnels would redirect water underground.
There are now more than two hundred miles of tunnels that run beneath Sin City, which have become home to hundreds of the state’s homeless people [2]. These are the Mole People of Las Vegas.
Who Are the Mole People?
The tunnels of Las Vegas rose to fame in 2002 when a man named Timmy Weber used them to hide from the authorities after he murdered his girlfriend. While the Mole People of Las Vegas do have their fair share of troubles, they are not all murderers. In fact, most of them are American citizens who, for one reason or another, have become homeless.
Sadly, many of the people who live in these tunnels struggle with addictions, substance abuse, and mental health problems. Some experts estimate that approximately three hundred people live here [3].
The conditions in these tunnels can be challenging, and often dangerous. Matthew O’Brien, author of “Beneath the Neon: Life and Death in the Tunnels of Las Vegas,” has spent countless hours down in the tunnels.
“Even after exploring these tunnels for seven years, you still have a bit of anxiety when you’re walking into the tunnels because you never know what you’re going to find,” O’Brien said. “You never know what’s waiting in the dark.” [4]
There is another danger of living in these tunnels- flooding. Heavy rainfall can cause millions of gallons of water to rush through the tunnels at speeds of up to thirty miles per hour. Because of this, many of the city’s flood-related drownings have been the mole people living in the tunnels [3].
Advocates for the homeless. Emergency first responders, and flood district personnel try to convince the mole people to leave their tunnel dwellings from June to September, which is monsoon season in the state, but they often can’t convince everyone.
Better Than the Street?
For many of the mole people, living in the tunnels is preferable to living in the streets, despite the dangers. As one couple put it, they don’t live there because they want to, they live there because they can. Such is the case for a man named Steve and his fiance Katherine:
“We fell in love…We want to get out of here, that’s always our main goal. We don’t want to live like this forever,” he said. “We don’t like living in the tunnels. We live here because we can, and we’re not bothered by anyone. The police and people like that don’t really know that we’re down here. You know, it’s a lot of out-of-sight, out-of-mind.” [4]
Another resident, Amanda, has been living in the tunnels since 2018. She has battled drug addiction and has a criminal record. The tunnels offer her a place to set up a home and have some roots.
“It’s better [down] here,” said Amanda. “As weird as it sounds.” [3]
Helping the Mole People of Las Vegas
Las Vegas has one of the worst rates of urban homelessness in the entire United States. There are approximately 5 500 homeless people in the city, but only two thousand shelter beds available.
For social workers and medical personnel, the mole people pose a particular challenge because the nature of their dwellings makes them more difficult to reach. As such, a few people- some of them former tunnel dwellers themselves- have set up foundations to help them.
After spending so much time speaking with the mole people, O’Brien now helps them connect with an organization called HELP. O’Brien says that this agency helps “the worst of the worst” relocate into housing or shelters. It assesses their health and drug issues, and provides them with counselling [5].
Paul Vautrinot, a former tunnel dweller who has recovered from heroin addiction, is now a substance abuse caseworker. He helps operate Shine a Light, a small nonprofit organization that helps people in the tunnels find safer housing and rehab programs. Every week he leads outreach visits to the tunnel, handing out hygiene kits, water bottles, sandwiches, and socks to whoever wants them [3].
A Culture of Mistrust
In November 2019, the city of Las Vegas made it illegal to camp or sleep on certain streets when there are shelter beds available. Violators will either receive a fine of one thousand dollars or face six months in jail.
This won’t directly impact the mole people of Las Vegas. It will, however, cause the homeless people to be less trusting of the organizations that are trying to help them.
“If someone is fearful that they are going to be arrested or ticketed, they are going to disengage from street outreach,” says Emily Paulsen of the Nevada Homeless Alliance [3].
Despite the dangers, many of the mole people do not see themselves leaving the tunnels anytime soon. Not, at least, until the city can address some of its housing problems. Until then, the dangers of living in an unpatrolled, dark, and hazardous underground world are preferable to whatever waits for them above.
Keep Reading: 10 Examples of ‘Anti-Homeless’ Hostile Architecture That You Probably Never Noticed Before
Sources


theheartysoul--2020-11-25--8 Simple Exercises to Improve Your Posture and Reduce Back Pain

Posture is important .
It helps you stand taller and have a more confident presence when you walk into a room .
Good posture also helps prevent one of the most common adult afflictions : Back pain .
Thankfully , there are plenty of posture exercises you can do to help keep you standing tall and pain-free .
Improving posture and relieving back pain is all about strengthening certain muscles and stretching others .
To make it easier for you , we ’ ve split this up into a “ posture stretches ” section and a “ posture exercises ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ comes from the amount of time we spend sitting either typing at a computer , driving , or sitting on the couch playing with our phones .
We tend to sit slightly slouched and our hips and chest get quite tight .
These posture stretches will help to lengthen those muscles back out .
You can do these at any point during the day , as well as before and after your workout.Advertisement This stretch will help to loosen up your spine and relieve built-up tension in your shoulders , neck , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also do a standing version of this stretch : This version of the move will help to relax your back , hips , and glutes .
Our chest gets very tight from our daily activities .
This pulls the shoulders inward and rounds the upper back .
Perform these chest stretches to help open your chest back up .
( 1 ) One of the most commonly-known yoga moves , this will both lengthen out your hamstrings and calf muscles as well as stretch your chest and shoulders .
( 1 ) This @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hips , glutes , hamstrings , and spine .
It can also help anyone who has problems with sciatic nerve pain .
( 1 ) Advertisement The thoracic spine rotational stretch will not only relieve lower back tension , but it will help your chest and shoulders to open up further .
( 1 ) You sit on your hamstrings all day long .
Give them a good stretch-out with these easy-to-do towel stretches .
( 2 ) Child ’ s pose is another popular yoga pose that helps to lengthen the spine @ @ @ @ @ @ @ neck and shoulder tension .
( 1 ) Now that you know what stretches to do , we must address the other part of the problem : Weakness in certain areas of the body .
( 2 ) These areas often include : Strengthening those areas will help you to have better posture and will relieve the constant pressure in your lower back .
Follow the videos provided and always ensure that you are using the correct form for each exercise .
If you are too tired to do the correct form , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ any exercise improperly will only do more harm than good .
Done lying on your back looking towards the ceiling with your feet flat on the floor , this classic exercise will strengthen both your core and your back .
( 2 ) Wall sits target the quads , glutes , and hamstrings .
The wall also acts as a guide for you to keep your spine straight throughout the exercise .
Start off holding this position for only 10 to 20 seconds for several rounds until you can hold for one to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) This is a gentle exercise that will target your core and back muscles .
( 2 ) This is an exercise that you want to take slowly , as it is all about stability .
In this one , imagine that you have a tennis ball on your back and you don ’ t want it to fall off .
This will force you to properly engage your core , back , and glute muscles .
( 2 ) Your pelvis and the muscles around it are part of your core .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ lower back won ’ t be properly supported and eventually , you will experience pain .
Keep them strong using this exercise .
( 2 ) We often don ’ t think about it in this way , but our glutes are actually an important part of our core .
Unfortunately , most of us sit on them all day long , causing them to become inactive .
Glute bridges are one of the best activation and strengthening exercises for your glutes and your core .
( 2 ) A strong core will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ your body .
Make sure you hit all sides to have a well-rounded core .
( 1 ) We spend so much time with our arms in front of us gripping a steering wheel or typing on a laptop that often our muscles surrounding our shoulders blades become weak from lack of use .
Do this shoulder blade squeeze to help activate and regain some strength .
( 3 ) A well-rounded exercise routine that includes resistance training , cardiovascular activity , and mobility exercises is your best way to prevent back pain @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Our bodies were built to move in a variety of different ways , so don ’ t be afraid to try something new ( being careful , of course ) and challenge your body a bit .
When you incorporate movement into your everyday life , your posture , back , and body will thank you for it .

Posture is important. It helps you stand taller and have a more confident presence when you walk into a room. Good posture also helps prevent one of the most common adult afflictions: Back pain. Thankfully, there are plenty of posture exercises you can do to help keep you standing tall and pain-free.
Posture Exercises to Help Prevent Back Pain
Improving posture and relieving back pain is all about strengthening certain muscles and stretching others. To make it easier for you, we’ve split this up into a “posture stretches” section and a “posture exercises” section.
Stretches for Better Posture
Much of our bad posture comes from the amount of time we spend sitting either typing at a computer, driving, or sitting on the couch playing with our phones. We tend to sit slightly slouched and our hips and chest get quite tight.
These posture stretches will help to lengthen those muscles back out. You can do these at any point during the day, as well as before and after your workout.
1. Cat-Cow
This stretch will help to loosen up your spine and relieve built-up tension in your shoulders, neck, and torso. (1)
You can also do a standing version of this stretch:
This version of the move will help to relax your back, hips, and glutes.
2. Chest Openers
Our chest gets very tight from our daily activities. This pulls the shoulders inward and rounds the upper back. Perform these chest stretches to help open your chest back up. (1)
Standing:
With a band:
Using a wall corner:
Using a flat wall:
3. Downward Facing Dog
One of the most commonly-known yoga moves, this will both lengthen out your hamstrings and calf muscles as well as stretch your chest and shoulders. (1)
4. Pigeon Pose
This stretch targets multiple areas, including your hips, glutes, hamstrings, and spine. It can also help anyone who has problems with sciatic nerve pain. (1)
5. Thoracic Spine Rotation
The thoracic spine rotational stretch will not only relieve lower back tension, but it will help your chest and shoulders to open up further. (1)
6. Hamstring Stretches
You sit on your hamstrings all day long. Give them a good stretch-out with these easy-to-do towel stretches. (2)
7. Child’s Pose
Child’s pose is another popular yoga pose that helps to lengthen the spine, open the chest, and relieve neck and shoulder tension. (1)
Read: 21 Older People Who Look Much Younger Than Their Age (Photos)
Posture Exercises for Back Pain
Now that you know what stretches to do, we must address the other part of the problem: Weakness in certain areas of the body. (2) These areas often include:
Upper and lower back
Hamstrings
Glutes
Core
Strengthening those areas will help you to have better posture and will relieve the constant pressure in your lower back.
Follow the videos provided and always ensure that you are using the correct form for each exercise. If you are too tired to do the correct form, stop. Doing posture exercises, or any exercise improperly will only do more harm than good.
1. Partial Crunches
Done lying on your back looking towards the ceiling with your feet flat on the floor, this classic exercise will strengthen both your core and your back. (2)
2. Wall Sits
Wall sits target the quads, glutes, and hamstrings. The wall also acts as a guide for you to keep your spine straight throughout the exercise. Start off holding this position for only 10 to 20 seconds for several rounds until you can hold for one to two minutes without stopping. (2)
3. Press-Up Back Extensions
This is a gentle exercise that will target your core and back muscles. (2)
4. Bird Dog
This is an exercise that you want to take slowly, as it is all about stability. In this one, imagine that you have a tennis ball on your back and you don’t want it to fall off. This will force you to properly engage your core, back, and glute muscles. (2)
5. Pelvic Tilts
Your pelvis and the muscles around it are part of your core. When those muscles are weak, your lower back won’t be properly supported and eventually, you will experience pain. Keep them strong using this exercise. (2)
6. Glute Bridges
We often don’t think about it in this way, but our glutes are actually an important part of our core. Unfortunately, most of us sit on them all day long, causing them to become inactive. Glute bridges are one of the best activation and strengthening exercises for your glutes and your core. (2)
7. Planks
A strong core will support and hold up the rest of your body. Make sure you hit all sides to have a well-rounded core. (1)
8. Shoulder Squeezes
We spend so much time with our arms in front of us gripping a steering wheel or typing on a laptop that often our muscles surrounding our shoulders blades become weak from lack of use. Do this shoulder blade squeeze to help activate and regain some strength. (3)
Final Thoughts on Posture Exercises and Back Pain
A well-rounded exercise routine that includes resistance training, cardiovascular activity, and mobility exercises is your best way to prevent back pain and have your body feeling good. Our bodies were built to move in a variety of different ways, so don’t be afraid to try something new (being careful, of course) and challenge your body a bit.
Keep Reading: Easy Exercises That Help Keep Your Mind Sharp at Any Age
Sources


theheartysoul--2020-11-24--Scientists splice human genes into monkey brains to make them bigger

Scientists put human genes into monkeys and were able to make their brains grow .
Chimps are our closest living relatives , but our brains are about three times the size of theirs [ 1 ] .
Presumably , it is our larger human brains that make us the dominant species over our primate cousins .
But is size all that matters ?
If we make a monkey ’ s brain larger , will that make the monkey smarter , too ?
The Evolution of the Human Brain At one point , our brains were likely around the size of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ course of human history , however , the brains of our ancestors tripled in size .
Today , we have the largest and most complex brains of any living primate .
For the first several million years of human evolution , the brain size of our ancestors only increased in small increments .
This allowed them to do simple tasks like make primitive tools .
Around eight hundred thousand years ago , however , the human brain suddenly began evolving rapidly .
It continued to do so for the next six hundred thousand @ @ @ @ @ @ @ due to dramatic climate change during that time .
As humans dealt with an increasingly unpredictable environment , their larger and larger brains helped them to adapt .
Aside from size , one of the main differences between our brains and chimpanzee brains lies in the temporal cortex .
We have significantly more white matter in this region of the brain .
This means that we have more connections between nerve cells , and a greater ability to process information [ 2 ] .
One of the biggest changes to our brains that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of our neocortex .
Human brains were growing so quickly that our craniums ( aka- skulls ) couldn ’ t keep up .
The brain started to become cramped , so the neocortex began folding .
This is why humans have a distinctly wrinkled brain , while other animals do not [ 3 ] .
The neocortex accounts for about 76 percent of the brain ’ s volume .
It is incredibly important because it is involved in higher functions such as : Many scientists consider the enlargement and subsequent elaboration of this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ secret behind humans ’ mental abilities [ 5 ] .
But why did this happen ?
What made our neocortex grow ?
That ’ s why these researchers place human genes into monkeys- to find out .
Related : Scientists Claim to Have Created the First Human Monkey Hybrid Scientists have identified a specific gene that is unique to humans- ARHGAP11B .
While they believe that a number of evolutionary factors led to the growth and development of the neocortex , the expression of this gene may have been what gave our brains @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this new study , researchers from Germany and Japan introduced this gene into the fetus of a marmoset monkey .
Why ?
To find out if it would make their brains grow .
The answer , in short , was yes .
The ARHGAP11B gene caused the monkey fetus ’ neocortex to enlarge , similarly to the way humans ’ did millions of years ago .
Other studies have shown this to work in mice and ferrets .
This time , however , was the first time scientists have used the gene in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ introduced it in the same quantity as what is present in a typical human .
This essentially solidifies the suggestion that this gene played a key role in our evolution as human beings [ 3 ] .
Advertisement Michael Heide is the lead author of the study .
He said in a press release that once they put human genes into the monkeys , their neocortex got bigger and began to fold .
The Ethics of Putting Human Genes into Monkeys Doing experiments on primates already raises a number of ethical questions .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ whole other layer to those questions .
This is the reason that the scientists limited their research to only monkey fetuses .
After one hundred days , the researchers removed the fetuses ( which they are calling “ transgenic non-human primates ” ) via c-section .
According to study coauthor Weilend Huttner , allowing the study to go past that point and having monkeys born with human genes would be irresponsible and unethical .
So what does all this mean ?
There are two main takeaways : • After putting human genes into @ @ @ @ @ @ @ confirm that the ARHGAP11B gene likely caused neocortex expansion during human evolution .
• Scientists ended the experiment once they got the result they were looking for because of ethical concerns .
Would this brain growth have made the monkeys smarter ?
We don ’ t know that for sure .
So you ’ re reading this and seeing visions of Planet of the Apes-style chaos running through your mind , you can relax .
We don ’ t have monkeys with human brains running around .
This study , however , has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ own history .
Research like this will continue to help us understand how we came to be , and why we are the way we are .
Keep Reading : Scientists Alarmed By Experiment Placing Human Intelligence Gene Into A Monkey

Scientists put human genes into monkeys and were able to make their brains grow.
Chimps are our closest living relatives, but our brains are about three times the size of theirs [1]. Presumably, it is our larger human brains that make us the dominant species over our primate cousins. But is size all that matters? If we make a monkey’s brain larger, will that make the monkey smarter, too?
The Evolution of the Human Brain
At one point, our brains were likely around the size of a current chimpanzee brain. Over the course of human history, however, the brains of our ancestors tripled in size. Today, we have the largest and most complex brains of any living primate.
For the first several million years of human evolution, the brain size of our ancestors only increased in small increments. This allowed them to do simple tasks like make primitive tools. Around eight hundred thousand years ago, however, the human brain suddenly began evolving rapidly. It continued to do so for the next six hundred thousand years.
Most scientists believe that this was due to dramatic climate change during that time. As humans dealt with an increasingly unpredictable environment, their larger and larger brains helped them to adapt.
Aside from size, one of the main differences between our brains and chimpanzee brains lies in the temporal cortex. We have significantly more white matter in this region of the brain. This means that we have more connections between nerve cells, and a greater ability to process information [2].
The Human Neocortex
One of the biggest changes to our brains that occurred during that time was the evolution of our neocortex. Human brains were growing so quickly that our craniums (aka- skulls) couldn’t keep up. The brain started to become cramped, so the neocortex began folding. This is why humans have a distinctly wrinkled brain, while other animals do not [3].
The neocortex accounts for about 76 percent of the brain’s volume. It is incredibly important because it is involved in higher functions such as:
Sensory perception
Generation of motor commands
Spatial reasoning
Conscious thought
Language [4]
Many scientists consider the enlargement and subsequent elaboration of this area of the brain to be the secret behind humans’ mental abilities [5]. But why did this happen? What made our neocortex grow? That’s why these researchers place human genes into monkeys- to find out.
Scientists Put Humans Genes Into Monkeys
Scientists have identified a specific gene that is unique to humans- ARHGAP11B. While they believe that a number of evolutionary factors led to the growth and development of the neocortex, the expression of this gene may have been what gave our brains the extra oomph they needed.
In this new study, researchers from Germany and Japan introduced this gene into the fetus of a marmoset monkey. Why? To find out if it would make their brains grow. The answer, in short, was yes.
The ARHGAP11B gene caused the monkey fetus’ neocortex to enlarge, similarly to the way humans’ did millions of years ago. Other studies have shown this to work in mice and ferrets. This time, however, was the first time scientists have used the gene in a non human primate. They also introduced it in the same quantity as what is present in a typical human.
This essentially solidifies the suggestion that this gene played a key role in our evolution as human beings [3].
Michael Heide is the lead author of the study. He said in a press release that once they put human genes into the monkeys, their neocortex got bigger and began to fold.
“Furthermore,” he said, “we could see increased numbers of basal radial glia progenitors in the outer subventricular zone and increased numbers of upper-layer neurons, the neuron type that increases in primate evolution.” [6]
The Ethics of Putting Human Genes into Monkeys
Doing experiments on primates already raises a number of ethical questions. Introducing human genes into monkeys adds a whole other layer to those questions.
This is the reason that the scientists limited their research to only monkey fetuses. After one hundred days, the researchers removed the fetuses (which they are calling “transgenic non-human primates”) via c-section.
According to study coauthor Weilend Huttner, allowing the study to go past that point and having monkeys born with human genes would be irresponsible and unethical.
“We confined our analyses to marmoset fetuses, because we anticipated that the expression of this human-specific gene would affect the neocortex development in the marmoset,” Huttner said [6].
So what does all this mean? There are two main takeaways:
After putting human genes into the brains of monkeys, we can confirm that the ARHGAP11B gene likely caused neocortex expansion during human evolution. Scientists ended the experiment once they got the result they were looking for because of ethical concerns. Would this brain growth have made the monkeys smarter? We don’t know that for sure.
So you’re reading this and seeing visions of Planet of the Apes-style chaos running through your mind, you can relax. We don’t have monkeys with human brains running around. This study, however, has given us a better understanding of our own history. Research like this will continue to help us understand how we came to be, and why we are the way we are.
Keep Reading: Scientists Detect Signs of a Hidden Structure Inside Earth’s Core
Sources


theheartysoul--2020-11-24--9 Things We Used To Do in The Kitchen That Just Don’t Happen Anymore

As the world evolves , so do our kitchens .
With the rise of technology , our cooking and baking processes look very different from our grandparents ’ .
Yes , some things haven ’ t changed at all , like the need for oven mitts or hiding cookies before little snackers eat them all .
Our stovetop kettles haven ’ t evolved much , neither has our whisks , measuring cups , pots , and pans .
But with the advances in kitchen appliances , some traditional cooking methods and utensils have become almost non-existent .
Here are nine @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the kitchen anymore .
Nowadays , whenever we need a recipe , we look it up online .
From Pinterest to Facebook videos , to cooking tutorials , and to blogs dedicated to food , cooking has taken its own corner of the internet .
Among all of the various recipes , we could find one that perfectly suits our needs , such as substituting ingredients we don ’ t have or can ’ t eat , or even finding a beginner version .
Back in the day , if you wanted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ open a cookbook .
Yes , we still have those today , but most of us turn to Google a lot faster than we ’ d turn to an actual book .
Many people also kept recipe boxes where the ingredients and instructions were hand-written on cue cards .
These recipes came from friends and family members and added a special , homely touch to these foods like “ Aunt Ellen ’ s Almond Cookies ” or “ Grandpa ’ s Sesame Chicken ” .
Advertisement Before bread was sold commercially , many @ @ @ @ @ @ @ baked goods in a bread box .
While the cookie jar has remained in many modern kitchens , the bread box has disappeared from people ’ s counters .
( However , it ’ s still a staple in the game 20 Questions , where the second query is “ is it larger than a bread box ?
” Today , our bread is kept in the plastic bags we buy them in , which is honestly a huge downgrade .
Storing Flour , Sugar , Coffee , Tea , and Other Foods @ @ @ @ @ @ @ most of our food in the containers and bags we buy them in .
However , back in the day , storing flour and sugar and other ingredients in matching labeled containers were the way to go .
This trend is actually coming back into the modern kitchen and anyone could see why .
They provide easy access , which is a must for morning coffee or tea .
They are also aesthetically-pleasing and give a sense of quaint organization to the countertops .
Most people hate when good food goes to waste @ @ @ @ @ @ @ those who lives through less bountiful times .
There are people alive today who remember wartimes and the Great Depression where every morsel of food counts .
So they became experts on making food last so none would go to waste .
Additionally , certain foods weren ’ t available all year round like we are used to .
Canning food for the winter was a yearly custom that hasn ’ t caught on for most of this generation .
Mixing dough and batters by hand is a baking method that holds true @ @ @ @ @ @ @ options now .
Food processors , stand mixers , and even blenders can speed the mixing process and save our poor tired wrists .
Back in the day , they had hand mixers and not the electrical kind .
Their mixers looked like two whisks tied together with a manual crank to spin them .
It was also known as the egg beater and it was barely a step up from a regular old whisk .
With the rise of baking technology , they have fallen out of favor although they are still @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the many things most people buy instead of make from scratch .
And for good reason .
Butter-making included pouring cream into a churner and turning a crank until it turns buttery .
It ’ s incredibly time-consuming and probably more exhausting than using the manual hand mixer .
Still , the end result was well-worth the work .
Homemade butter tends to be lighter and creamier than store-bought , which is why some people churn their own butter nowadays .
[ 1 ] AdvertisementCoffee has become its own hipster subculture that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people have Keurig , drip , French press , or even instant .
But percolators were the first , appearing in 1818 .
It ’ s essentially a pot designed to cycle the boiling coffee through the grounds until the brew is as strong as the drinker likes it .
Those who remember it from way back when — or use it today — can testify that the coffee aroma is heavenly .
[ 2 ] The meat grinder was once used regularly in the average kitchen and it was quite a workout @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the 1800s and required strength to achieve those long meat chains .
Some say home-ground meat takes better and results in tastier burgers , meatballs , and sausages .
But few people of this generation could attest to that .
Today , pre-ground beef is readily available and so are electric grinders that take the exertion out of the process .
[ 3 ] Another tool no longer found in most kitchens is a meat mallet .
Beating beef and chicken tenderizes the cuts before cooking .
They also make the food easier @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pound the meat to thin it for a crispier texture .
While these benefits sound reasonable , it ’ s a step that has fallen out of favor nowadays .
Although many still hold to this process — and you ’ ll be able to hear them at it from miles away — most skip it .
[ 4 ] Keep Reading : 12 Survival Skills Your Great-Grandparents Knew ( That Most Of Us Have Forgotten )

As the world evolves, so do our kitchens. With the rise of technology, our cooking and baking processes look very different from our grandparents’. Yes, some things haven’t changed at all, like the need for oven mitts or hiding cookies before little snackers eat them all. Our stovetop kettles haven’t evolved much, neither has our whisks, measuring cups, pots, and pans. But with the advances in kitchen appliances, some traditional cooking methods and utensils have become almost non-existent.
Here are nine things that chefs don’t need in the kitchen anymore.
Cook with Real Cookbooks or Recipe Boxes
Nowadays, whenever we need a recipe, we look it up online. From Pinterest to Facebook videos, to cooking tutorials, and to blogs dedicated to food, cooking has taken its own corner of the internet. Among all of the various recipes, we could find one that perfectly suits our needs, such as substituting ingredients we don’t have or can’t eat, or even finding a beginner version.
Back in the day, if you wanted a recipe, you had to crack open a cookbook. Yes, we still have those today, but most of us turn to Google a lot faster than we’d turn to an actual book. Many people also kept recipe boxes where the ingredients and instructions were hand-written on cue cards. These recipes came from friends and family members and added a special, homely touch to these foods like “Aunt Ellen’s Almond Cookies” or “Grandpa’s Sesame Chicken”.
Storing Bread in a Breadbox
Before bread was sold commercially, many people would store their homemade bread and baked goods in a bread box. While the cookie jar has remained in many modern kitchens, the bread box has disappeared from people’s counters. (However, it’s still a staple in the game 20 Questions, where the second query is “is it larger than a bread box?” Today, our bread is kept in the plastic bags we buy them in, which is honestly a huge downgrade.
Storing Flour, Sugar, Coffee, Tea, and Other Foods in Canisters
Like bread, we keep most of our food in the containers and bags we buy them in. However, back in the day, storing flour and sugar and other ingredients in matching labeled containers was the way to go. This trend is actually coming back into the modern kitchen and anyone could see why. They provide easy access, which is a must for morning coffee or tea. They are also aesthetically pleasing and give a sense of quaint organization to the countertops.
Canning and Preserving Food
Most people hate when good food goes to waste, but it’s anxiety-inducing for those who live through less bountiful times. There are people alive today who remember wartimes and the Great Depression where every morsel of food counts. So they became experts on making food last so none would go to waste. Additionally, certain foods weren’t available all year round like we are used to. Canning food for the winter was a yearly custom that hasn’t caught on for most of this generation.
Read: How To Get A Husband: 129 Ways to Get a Husband in the 50s (a hilarious list)
Baking with Manual Hand Mixers
Mixing dough and batters by hand is a baking method that holds true today. However, we have more options now. Food processors, stand mixers, and even blenders can speed the mixing process and save our poor tired wrists. Back in the day, they had hand mixers and not the electrical kind. Their mixers looked like two whisks tied together with a manual crank to spin them. It was also known as the egg beater and it was barely a step up from a regular old whisk. With the rise of baking technology, they have fallen out of favor although they are still available for purchase.
Home-Make Butter
Butter is one of the many things most people buy instead of making from scratch. And for good reason. Butter-making included pouring cream into a churner and turning a crank until it turns buttery. It’s incredibly time-consuming and probably more exhausting than using the manual hand mixer. Still, the end result was well worth the work. Homemade butter tends to be lighter and creamier than store-bought, which is why some people churn their own butter nowadays. [1]
Make Coffee with a Percolator
Coffee has become its own hipster subculture that brought back percolators. Meanwhile, most people have Keurig, drip, French press, or even instant. But percolators were the first, appearing in 1818. It’s essentially a pot designed to cycle the boiling coffee through the grounds until the brew is as strong as the drinker likes it. Those who remember it from way back when — or use it today — can testify that the coffee aroma is heavenly. [2]
Grinding Meat
The meat grinder was once used regularly in the average kitchen and it was quite a workout. The first grinder was invented in the 1800s and required strength to achieve those long meat chains. Some say home-ground meat takes better and results in tastier burgers, meatballs, and sausages. But few people of this generation could attest to that. Today, pre-ground beef is readily available and so are electric grinders that take the exertion out of the process. [3]
Pounding Meat with a Mallet
Another tool no longer found in most kitchens is a meat mallet. Beating beef and chicken tenderizes the cuts before cooking. They also make the food easier to chew and digest. Some people pound the meat to thin it for a crispier texture. While these benefits sound reasonable, it’s a step that has fallen out of favor nowadays. Although many still hold to this process — and you’ll be able to hear them at it from miles away — most skip it. [4]
Keep Reading: I’m Positive You Will Not Know What This Is. Go Ahead And Prove Me Wrong (If You Can)
Sources


theheartysoul--2020-11-24--This electric car built by Dutch students is made entirely of waste — even the chassis

There ’ s not a single country out there that doesn ’ t produce thousands if not millions of tons of waste every single year .
The Netherlands alone produces 8.5 billion kilograms of waste each year .
( 1 ) Dutch students took that and built an electric car made almost entirely out of waste .
( 2 ) See a problem , find a solution : This is just what this team of 22 Dutch students set out to achieve when hearing about The Netherland ’ s waste problem .
Meet Luca , the electric car made almost @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) Built by students at the Technical University of Eindhoven , the bright yellow car can fit two people and can reach a maximum speed of 90 kilometers ( 56 miles ) per hour .
Luca can last for 220km .
( 3 ) Luca the electric car is made from a mixture of recycled materials and unsorted waste .
The chassis is made of flax and recycled Polyethylene terephthalate ( PET ) bottles .
( 2 ) Advertisement Hard recycled plastics make up the body of the car .
They are sourced @ @ @ @ @ @ @ appliances ( 2 ) : The interior is made of unsorted waste and the seat cushions from coconut and horsehair .
It took the students 18 months to design and build Luca .
The result of that work is better than they could have imagined .
( 2 ) Read : How Big Oil Misled The Public Into Believing Plastic Would Be Recycled Of course , this car is an example of what is possible for waste .
Though cars won ’ t be made entirely out of waste ( at the very @ @ @ @ @ @ @ students hope to set an example of what is possible .
( 3 ) Not Entirely From Waste The electric car is not 100 % made from recycled waste .
Items that aren ’ t waste include six modular batteries , the tires , and the motors ( 2 ) : AdvertisementThe students contacted companies that are currently creating biodegradable tires , however , no prototypes are ready for use just yet .
They purchased the motors because they did not have enough people to put into developing a motor made from recycled @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Students truly will be the ones to change our future for the better .
A student in Brazil created solar windows made from rotting fruit .
Not only do these solar windows make use of something that would otherwise be tossed out , but they also can turn buildings into vertical solar energy farms .
Though finding ways to reduce our overall creation of waste is necessary , finding ways to use waste we do create will also help to make the world a more sustainable place .
Keep Reading : Canada banning @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and other single-use items by the end of 2021

There’s not a single country out there that doesn’t produce thousands if not millions of tons of waste every single year. The Netherlands alone produces 8.5 billion kilograms of waste each year. (1) Dutch students took that and built an electric car made almost entirely out of waste. (2)
Dutch Students Build Electric Car Almost Completely From Waste
See a problem, find a solution: This is just what this team of 22 Dutch students set out to achieve when hearing about The Netherland’s waste problem. Meet Luca, the electric car made almost entirely out of waste. (2)
Built by students at the Technical University of Eindhoven, the bright yellow car can fit two people and can reach a maximum speed of 90 kilometers (56 miles) per hour. Luca can last for 220km. (3)
The Materials
Luca the electric car is made from a mixture of recycled materials and unsorted waste. The chassis is made of flax and recycled Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles. (2)
Hard recycled plastics make up the body of the car. They are sourced from toys, televisions, and kitchen appliances (2):
The interior is made of unsorted waste and the seat cushions from coconut and horsehair. It took the students 18 months to design and build Luca. The result of that work is better than they could have imagined. (2)
“This car is really special, because it’s made all out of waste.” project manager Lisa van Etten said of Luca. (2)
Goals for the Future
Of course, this car is an example of what is possible for waste. Though cars won’t be made entirely out of waste (at the very least not anytime soon), the students hope to set an example of what is possible. (3)
“We really hope that car companies will start using waste materials,” said production team member Matthijs van Wijk. “It’s possible in many applications. More and more companies use waste or biobased materials in the interior, we want to show that it’s also possible to build a chassis out of it.” (3)
Not Entirely From Waste
The electric car is not 100% made from recycled waste. Items that aren’t waste include six modular batteries, the tires, and the motors (2):
The students contacted companies that are currently creating biodegradable tires, however, no prototypes are ready for use just yet. They purchased the motors because they did not have enough people to put into developing a motor made from recycled materials and waste. (2)
Other Waste Innovations
Students truly will be the ones to change our future for the better. A student in Brazil created solar windows made from rotting fruit. Not only do these solar windows make use of something that would otherwise be tossed out, but they also can turn buildings into vertical solar energy farms.
Though finding ways to reduce our overall creation of waste is necessary, finding ways to use waste we do create will also help to make the world a more sustainable place.
Read More: Car goes up in flames when driver smoking cigarette uses hand sanitizer


theheartysoul--2020-11-24--China Has Launched the World’s First 6G Satellite. We Don’t Even Know What 6G Is Yet.

While the world is only just starting the roll-out of the new 5G network , China has already gone one step further .
On November 6 , they launched a 6G satellite into orbit .
The problem ?
We don ’ t even have a definition of what 6G is yet .
( 1 ) China launched what ’ s being called the world ’ s first 6G satellite into orbit earlier this month from the Taiyuan Satellite Launch Center in the Shanxi Province .
The satellite went up along with 12 other satellites to begin the testing process .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ however , has only just begun launching the 5G network and is nowhere close to developing standards for the 6G .
This tech may or may not qualify by the time those are decided upon .
( 1 ) That being said , the technology is rather exciting .
Not only will it be several times faster than the already fast 5G network , but it has other potential benefits as well .
( 1 ) The 6G network will be able to ( 1 ) : Advertisement It will still be several @ @ @ @ @ @ @ used around the world .
( 1 ) 5G networks are still extremely new and are not even very widely used yet .
They operate between 30 and 300 gigahertz millimeter-wave frequencies , which are 10 to 100 times higher than those provided by 4G .
( 2 ) A global partnership called 3GPP creates the definitions and standards for all generations of cellular broadband networks .
They have not yet given a clear definition of the 6G network .
( 2 ) It is of course inevitable that 6G will one day @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to grow and improve .
With all of the controversy surrounding the release of the 5G network , however , it will be interesting to see if 6G has the same questions put against it .
( 2 ) Keep Reading : Keep Your Personal Information Safe Using These 6 WiFi Security Tips

While the world is only just starting the roll-out of the new 5G network, China has already gone one step further. On November 6, they launched a 6G satellite into orbit. The problem? We don’t even have a definition of what 6G is yet. (1)
China Launches 6G Satellite
China launched what’s being called the world’s first 6G satellite into orbit earlier this month from the Taiyuan Satellite Launch Center in the Shanxi Province. The satellite went up along with 12 other satellites to begin the testing process. (1)
The telecoms industry, however, has only just begun launching the 5G network and is nowhere close to developing standards for the 6G. This tech may or may not qualify by the time those are decided upon. (1)
That being said, the technology is rather exciting. Not only will it be several times faster than the already fast 5G network, but it has other potential benefits as well. (1) The 6G network will be able to (1):
Monitor potential crop disasters
Help forest fire prevention
It will still be several years until this new network is actually used around the world. (1)
The Current 5G Network
5G networks are still extremely new and are not even very widely used yet. They operate between 30 and 300 gigahertz millimeter-wave frequencies, which are 10 to 100 times higher than those provided by 4G. (2)
A global partnership called 3GPP creates the definitions and standards for all generations of cellular broadband networks. They have not yet given a clear definition of the 6G network. (2)
It is of course inevitable that 6G will one day replace 5G, as technology will continue to grow and improve. With all of the controversy surrounding the release of the 5G network, however, it will be interesting to see if 6G has the same questions put against it. (2)
Keep Reading: Nokia wins NASA contract to put a 4G network on the moon. Yes, really.
Sources


theheartysoul--2020-11-24--The mystery of the Bermuda Triangle may finally be solved

The Bermuda Triangle is a section of the Atlantic Ocean between Miami , Bermuda , and Puerto Rico .
Throughout the last several decades , dozens of ships and airplanes have supposedly disappeared here .
For this reason , this mysterious area has become infamous around the world [ 1 ] .
For years , experts have been attempting to solve the mystery of the Bermuda Triangle , but none have succeeded- until now .
The answer , however , is decidedly less exciting than the riddle .
As it turns out , there was never any mystery to solve @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the Bermuda Triangle The mystery of the Bermuda Triangle , or as some call it , the “ Devil ’ s Triangle ” , started with none other than Christopher Columbus .
Columbus was sailing through the area on his first voyage to the New World when he reported a strange occurrence one night .
According to his account , a “ great flame of fire ” crashed into the sea .
Experts believe that this was likely a meteor .
A few weeks later , a strange light appeared in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ readings in the region .
Some researchers believe that this may have been because of where the Bermuda Triangle was .
It was possible that at that time , a sliver of the triangle was one of the places on earth where “ true north ” and “ magnetic north ” line up .
The mysterious ocean region , however , did not gain infamy until the twentieth century .
At this time , reports of unexplained disappearances of ships and boats began to circulate widely .
One such tragedy occurred in 1918 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the USS Cyclops , was carrying over three hundred men and ten thousand tons of manganese ore when it sank somewhere between Barbados and the Chesapeake Bay .
It never sent out a distress signal before it went down , and no one ever found the wreckage despite extensive searching .
Nearly thirty years later , two of the Cyclops ’ sister ships also disappeared along the same route .
During the ensuing years , reports of other mysterious disappearances began to occur .
These reports were not only about ships travelling through @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but aircraft as well .
AdvertisementIn 1945 , five Navy Bombers carrying fourteen men were flying through the area when the leader of the mission ’ s compass apparently began malfunctioning .
All five planes got lost and eventually had to ditch at sea when their planes ran out of fuel .
The rescue plane that came to save them also disappeared with no trace .
The official Navy report of the incident said it was “ as if they ’ d flown to Mars ” [ 1 ] .
Read : Study @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Human Brain And The Universe What ’ s the Real Science Behind the Bermuda Triangle ?
Since those events occurred , many researchers and amateur enthusiasts have attempted to solve the mystery of the Bermuda Triangle .
In 2016 , a documentary on the Science Channel suggested that hexagonal clouds are the reason behind the vanishing vessels .
These clouds apparently create winds of 106 kilometers per hour ( 65 miles per hour ) that act as “ air bombs ” .
These can sink ships and crash planes [ 2 ] .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ because of sinkholes , whirlpools , or massive waves in the area that swallow everything in their path [ 3 ] .Advertisement According to journalist Larry Kusche , the reason why no one has been able to prove any of these hypotheses is because the Bermuda Triangle doesn ’ t actually exist .
In his book “ The Bermuda Triangle Mystery- Solved ” , Kusche thoroughly examined the facts of the supposed disappearances .
What he found was that mistakes made up most of the story , along with mystery mongering and occasional @ @ @ @ @ @ @ most of the people who wrote on the topic failed to do any actual investigative work .
Instead , they merely repeated accounts of writers before them , who had done the same .
In fact , he found that the man who popularized the mystery , Charles Berlitz , had based his story on mistakes .
Kusche was appalled by the sloppiness of Berlitz ’ reporting .
In 2012 , Benjamin Radford wrote on the topic for Live Science .
He described how the majority of Berlitz ’ s stories were near-complete @ @ @ @ @ @ @ many cases , the ships in question sank far outside the Bermuda Triangle .
Additionally , dozens of cruise and cargo ships travel through this area regularly .
This , Radford says , makes it a mere numbers game .
Experts have known for decades that the “ mystery ” of the Bermuda Triangle didn ’ t really exist .
The legend , however , has persisted nonetheless .
Today , most of us still think of the Bermuda Triangle as this dangerous area shrouded in secrets and unanswered questions .
The truth @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fascinating legend over no story at all .
For this reason , many authors have continued to write about the sensational story , and many of us have continued to lap it up .
While it may be thrilling to think about a magical area on earth that causes ships and planes to disappear , the truth exists .
The Bermuda Triangle does not .
Keep Reading : Mystery Meteorite Contains “ Impossible to Naturally Exist ” Crystal

The Bermuda Triangle is a section of the Atlantic Ocean between Miami, Bermuda, and Puerto Rico. Throughout the last several decades, dozens of ships and airplanes have supposedly disappeared here. For this reason, this mysterious area has become infamous around the world [1].
For years, experts have been attempting to solve the mystery of the Bermuda Triangle, but none have succeeded- until now. The answer, however, is decidedly less exciting than the riddle. As it turns out, there was never any mystery to solve in the first place.
The Mystery of the Bermuda Triangle
The mystery of the Bermuda Triangle, or as some call it, the “Devil’s Triangle”, started with none other than Christopher Columbus.
Columbus was sailing through the area on his first voyage to the New World when he reported a strange occurrence one night. According to his account, a “great flame of fire” crashed into the sea. Experts believe that this was likely a meteor. A few weeks later, a strange light appeared in the distance.
The explorer also reported erratic compass readings in the region. Some researchers believe that this may have been because of where the Bermuda Triangle was. It was possible that at that time, a sliver of the triangle was one of the places on earth where “true north” and “magnetic north” line up.
The mysterious ocean region, however, did not gain infamy until the twentieth century. At this time, reports of unexplained disappearances of ships and boats began to circulate widely.
One such tragedy occurred in 1918. A massive Navy cargo ship, the USS Cyclops, was carrying over three hundred men and ten thousand tons of manganese ore when it sank somewhere between Barbados and the Chesapeake Bay. It never sent out a distress signal before it went down, and no one ever found the wreckage despite extensive searching.
Nearly thirty years later, two of the Cyclops’ sister ships also disappeared along the same route.
During the ensuing years, reports of other mysterious disappearances began to occur. These reports were not only about ships travelling through the area’s perilous waters, but aircraft as well.
In 1945, five Navy Bombers carrying fourteen men were flying through the area when the leader of the mission’s compass apparently began malfunctioning. All five planes got lost and eventually had to ditch at sea when their planes ran out of fuel. The rescue plane that came to save them also disappeared with no trace. The official Navy report of the incident said it was “as if they’d flown to Mars”.
What’s the Real Science Behind the Bermuda Triangle?
Since those events occurred, many researchers and amateur enthusiasts have attempted to solve the mystery of the Bermuda Triangle.
In 2016, a documentary on the Science Channel suggested that hexagonal clouds are the reason behind the vanishing vessels. These clouds apparently create winds of 106 kilometers per hour (65 miles per hour) that act as “air bombs”. These can sink ships and crash planes [2].
Other theories have suggested that it is because of sinkholes, whirlpools, or massive waves in the area that swallow everything in their path [3].
According to journalist Larry Kusche, the reason why no one has been able to prove any of these hypotheses is because the Bermuda Triangle doesn’t actually exist.
In his book “The Bermuda Triangle Mystery- Solved”, Kusche thoroughly examined the facts of the supposed disappearances. What he found was that mistakes made up most of the story, along with mystery mongering and occasional complete fiction.
The journalist determined that most of the people who wrote on the topic failed to do any actual investigative work. Instead, they merely repeated accounts of writers before them, who had done the same.
In fact, he found that the man who popularized the mystery, Charles Berlitz, had based his story on mistakes. Kusche was appalled by the sloppiness of Berlitz’ reporting.
“If Berlitz were to report that a boat were red, the chance of it being some other color is almost a certainty,” Kusche said [4].
A Mystery of Misinformation
In 2012, Benjamin Radford wrote on the topic for Live Science. He described how the majority of Berlitz’s stories were near-complete fabrications.
“In some cases there’s no record of the ships and planes claimed to have been lost in the aquatic triangular graveyard; they never existed outside of a writer’s imagination,” Radford wrote. “In other cases, the ships and planes were real enough — but Berlitz and others neglected to mention that they “mysteriously disappeared” during bad storms.” [4]
He also noted that in many cases, the ships in question sank far outside the Bermuda Triangle. Additionally, dozens of cruise and cargo ships travel through this area regularly. This, Radford says, makes it a mere numbers game.
“Logically, just by random chance, more ships will sink there than in less-traveled areas such as the South Pacific.” [4]
The Legend Persists
Experts have known for decades that the “mystery” of the Bermuda Triangle didn’t really exist. The legend, however, has persisted nonetheless. Today, most of us still think of the Bermuda Triangle as this dangerous area shrouded in secrets and unanswered questions.
The truth is, most of us prefer a fascinating legend over no story at all. For this reason, many authors have continued to write about the sensational story, and many of us have continued to lap it up.
While it may be thrilling to think about a magical area on earth that causes ships and planes to disappear, the truth exists. The Bermuda Triangle does not.
Sources:


theheartysoul--2020-11-24--Monkey ‘gives pal mouth-to-mouth’ like human after she ‘collapses to ground’

A wildlife photographer in Botswana captured a dramatic moment on camera .
In his photo , one monkey gives mouth-to-mouth to another – or so it seems .
( 1 ) Wildlife photographer William Steel was taking pictures of vervet monkeys in Botswana ’ s Gaborone Game Reserve when he noticed one female being , well , a little dramatic .
She had flopped herself down on her back with her legs and arms extended outward .
( 1 ) Shortly , a male monkey came along and did something Steel was not expecting : The monkey gives mouth-to-mouth to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s what it looks like .
( 1 ) The reality is actually far from the truth : The female monkey was not lacking in oxygen , but more-so attention .
She put on the dramatic little show so another monkey would come over and groom her .
( 1 ) Advertisement Steel says that grooming like this is a common practice among the vervet monkeys and is a form of bonding for them .
( 1 ) Monkeys are very intelligent creatures and certainly possess the smarts and physical ability to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ This , however , was no more than a theatrical cry for attention .
( 1 ) Anthropomorphism : Did the monkey really give mouth-to-mouth ?
While it is cute to think about a dramatic Gray ’ s Anatomy-style scene in which one monkey collapses and another monkey gives mouth-to-mouth to save her life , this is not the truth .
This is called anthropomorphism : When people give human-like traits to non-humans , usually pets , animals or objects .
( 2 ) Of course , your pet does experience human-like emotions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ come home from work .
That being said , your pets don ’ t understand what you are saying to them except for a few commands for which you trained them for .
( 2 ) There are plenty of examples of anthropomorphism in literature , pop-culture , and other areas such as ( 2 ) : • The wind and sun in Aesop ’ s Fables • The talking household items and dishware in Beauty and the Beast • When we give a human-like appearance to deities or gods in mythology • @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Siri AdvertisementRobots and artificial intelligence technology are some of the easiest non-human objects to do this to because they seem so real .
( 2 ) Why Do We Do This ?
People use anthropomorphism on animals and objects daily as a way for our brains to understand behaviors or events better .
It can be beneficial , for example , giving our pets these qualities can help us to feel less lonely .
( 2 ) This can also have a negative side .
Sometimes , giving human attributes to something @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can cause misunderstandings , particularly when it comes to animal behavior .
( 2 ) Furthermore , there are movies such as Her , when a lonely writer develops an intense “ relationship ” with his home operating system .
This system is designed to take care of nearly all of his needs .
This movie highlights the dangers of giving non-humans , particularly AI , too many human-like attributes .
( 3 ) So yes , it is fun and perfectly normal to imagine animals in human scenarios or imagine that Alexa @ @ @ @ @ @ @ make your day easier .
Always remember , however , that these are your projections , and most of the time they aren ’ t actually real at all.Advertisement Keep Reading : Excited Orphaned elephants always lined up to hug woman who saved their lives

A wildlife photographer in Botswana captured a dramatic moment on camera. In his photo, one monkey gives mouth-to-mouth to another – or so it seems.
Monkey Gives Mouth-to-Mouth On Camera
Wildlife photographer William Steel was taking pictures of vervet monkeys in Botswana’s Gaborone Game Reserve when he noticed one female being, well, a little dramatic. She had flopped herself down on her back with her legs and arms extended outward.
Shortly, a male monkey came along and did something Steel was not expecting: The monkey gives mouth-to-mouth to the female – or at least that’s what it looks like.
The reality is actually far from the truth: The female monkey was not lacking in oxygen, but more-so attention. She put on the dramatic little show so another monkey would come over and groom her.
The Not-So-Dramatic Moment
Steel says that grooming like this is a common practice among the vervet monkeys and is a form of bonding for them.
“Bonds are formed largely through grooming. I have often seen this extended to help clean wounds, and even nurse injured troop members.” Steel explains. “In my opinion, this compassion can sometimes be manipulated by attention-seeking individuals. It was an amusing moment to capture.”
Monkeys are very intelligent creatures and certainly possess the smarts and physical ability to do a variety of human-like acts. This, however, was no more than a theatrical cry for attention.
Read: The National Cat of Norway: Norwegian Forest Cats Are Said To Have Been “Pets of the Vikings”
Anthropomorphism: Did the monkey really give mouth-to-mouth?
While it is cute to think about a dramatic Gray’s Anatomy-style scene in which one monkey collapses and another monkey gives mouth-to-mouth to save her life, this is not the truth. This is called anthropomorphism: When people give human-like traits to non-humans, usually pets, animals or objects. (2)
Of course, your pet does experience human-like emotions such as excitement or happiness when you come home from work. That being said, your pets don’t understand what you are saying to them except for a few commands for which you trained them for. (2)
There are plenty of examples of anthropomorphism in literature, pop-culture, and other areas such as (2):
The wind and sun in Aesop’s Fables
The talking household items and dishware in Beauty and the Beast
When we give a human-like appearance to deities or gods in mythology
Robots or virtual assistant AI-technology like Alexa and Siri
Robots and artificial intelligence technology are some of the easiest non-human objects to do this to because they seem so real. (2)
Why Do We Do This?
People use anthropomorphism on animals and objects daily as a way for our brains to understand behaviors or events better. It can be beneficial, for example, giving our pets these qualities can help us to feel less lonely. (2)
This can also have a negative side. Sometimes, giving human attributes to something where they don’t actually exist can cause misunderstandings, particularly when it comes to animal behavior. (2)
Furthermore, there are movies such as Her, when a lonely writer develops an intense “relationship” with his home operating system. This system is designed to take care of nearly all of his needs. This movie highlights the dangers of giving non-humans, particularly AI, too many human-like attributes. (3)
So yes, it is fun and perfectly normal to imagine animals in human scenarios or imagine that Alexa really is a real woman there to make your day easier. Always remember, however, that these are your projections, and most of the time they aren’t actually real at all.
Keep Reading: These Valais Blacknose Sheep Look Like Stuffed Animals Even Though They’re Real – and They Make Amazing Pets
Sources