theheartysoul--2020-10-23--15 Things You Need to Do When You Move into Your New Home

Moving into a new home is exciting but also stressful .
There are so many things to do to make your new house your new home .
Between unpacking endless boxes , don ’ t neglect the chores that are vital for the safety of your new house , like checking the fire detector and finding the main water valve .
Here are 15 things you must do as soon as you move .
First off , there is often an overwhelming number of things you have to do for your new house .
To relieve some of the stress @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and keep it in a central location .
For one day , whenever a family member thinks of something else you need to do or buy , write it into the notebook .
After 24 hours , stop adding to the list and prioritize each entry by assigning them a 1 , 2 , or 3 .
Priority one items should be completed in a week , including safety concerns , unpacking essentials , and cleaning .
Number two items should be completed within a couple of months , like unpacking , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ items are projects and improvements you ’ d like to complete within the year .
Hardwood floors can be daunting but they shouldn ’ t be .
If you prefer to refinish yourself , it ’ s completely doable with some rented equipment and a day or two .
Sanding isn ’ t always needed but it ’ s definitely recommended if the floor is damaged enough .
This video explains the process step-by-step .
You can absolutely clean the AC on your own .
First cut off the power to the unit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s exterior with a soft-bristled brush , and clear away any greenery growing within two feet of the unit .
Inside , replace the furnace filter , vacuum the blow sections , and clear the condensation drain .
Advertisement Familiarize yourself with the nooks and crannies of your new home .
In particular , look for any potential problems , such as leaks , mold , and bugs .
Install a vapor barrier into the crawlspace if there isn ’ t already one there .
An old filter in a heating and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Sometimes previous owners leave several spares , but if not , buy the replacements yourself .
Get into the habit of changing the filter every month .
If the once glossy finish of your woodwork or furniture has become dull and murky , it may be time for refinishing .
However , try to clean it with mineral spirits first .
Mineral spirits are also called “ paint thinners ” and they can dissolve grime and reside without ruining the wood finish .
Apply the mineral spirits to the wood with a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ safe , because the fumes are flammable , and work in a well-ventilated area , outside if possible .
Allow the cloth to dry outside before tossing it .
AdvertisementIt ’ s difficult to fully clean the hinges on the toilet seat , so install a new detachable toilet seat .
They are cheap , usually about $ 20 , and installation only requires a wrench .
Then you can easily remove it when it ’ s time to clean and place it right back on .
8 .
Check Smoke and CO @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Find out where the smoke or CO detectors are located and if there are working .
If there aren ’ t any , make it a priority to buy them .
They are an inexpensive but very effective way to protect your family .
[ 1 ] Here are some tips on how to check and maintain them .
You can do this by pouring two buckets full of water into it to ensure it works .
Sump pumps are most likely to fail after the first heavy rain after months of disuse @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , seize , and burn out when they switch on .
Also , check the sump pump backup system for breakdowns and power-outs .
Advertisement Locking doors and windows can keep your family safe , but adding some small and inexpensive alarms can also deter burglars .
They are triggered by the door or window opening , as opposed to the glass breaking like for other monitored systems .
The door alarm has a delay feature so you can set the alarm and leave , and open the door and deactivate the alarm @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have an on and off switch .
Here ’ s how to install them : Refrigerator condenser coils are found on the back of the fridge or across the bottom of it .
When the coils are clogged with dust , they can ’ t release heat efficiently , which forces the compressor to work harder and longer than it should .
This requires more energy and can shorten the life of your refrigerator .
A coil-cleaning brush , which bends to fit into snugs area , or a vacuum can clean it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have such a brush , you can find one online or at appliance stores .
12 .
Clean Out the Lint for Dryer Efficiency A screen or dryer duct full of lint greatly reduces the efficiency of your dryer .
Clear the lint screen after every load and clean the duct once a year , or in this case , soon after you move it .
Allowing these appliances to gather dust and lint can force the dryer to use 30 % more electricity and become a fire hazard .
Here ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s important to know where the main water shutoff valve is in case of emergencies .
It could be located inside , like in a basement , or outside on a wall or in an underground box .
The valve is most likely a gate-type valve with a round handle .
It should take several full clockwise turns to shut it off .
Be sure to locate the electrical panel so you know where to shut off the power in the whole house .
The main circuit breaker panel is usually located in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ room .
The main breaker for the house is usually at the top of the panel .
There may be a guide there explains which circuits serve each outlet .
You won ’ t be able to perfect the entire house at once .
Projects and renovations take time ; often evening starting such a process takes time .
Still , take on one room that doesn ’ t need much work and set it up however you like .
Let this room be your sanctuary to hide from all of the work @ @ @ @ @ @ @ whenever you need a break .
[ 2 ] Keep Reading : If You ’ re Not Handy , Fake It With These 15 Ridiculously Simple Home Repair Tricks

15 Things You Need to Do When You Move into Your New Home
Moving into a new home is exciting but also stressful. There are so many things to do to make your new house your new home. Between unpacking endless boxes, don’t neglect the chores that are vital for the safety of your new house, like checking the fire detector and finding the main water valve.
Here are 15 things you must do as soon as you move.
1. Make a Prioritized List
First off, there is often an overwhelming number of things you have to do for your new house. To relieve some of the stress, keep a checklist in a notebook, and keep it in a central location. For one day, whenever a family member thinks of something else you need to do or buy, write it into the notebook. After 24 hours, stop adding to the list and prioritize each entry by assigning them a 1, 2, or 3. Priority one items should be completed in a week, including safety concerns, unpacking essentials, and cleaning. Number two items should be completed within a couple of months, like unpacking, organization, and maintenance. Priority three items are projects and improvements you’d like to complete within the year.
2. Refinish Your Own Hardwood
Hardwood floors can be daunting but they shouldn’t be. If you prefer to refinish yourself, it’s completely doable with some rented equipment and a day or two. Sanding isn’t always needed but it’s definitely recommended if the floor is damaged enough. This video explains the process step-by-step.
3. Clean Air Conditioner Condensers and Evaporators
You can absolutely clean the AC on your own. First cut off the power to the unit, vacuum the outdoor’s condenser’s exterior with a soft-bristled brush, and clear away any greenery growing within two feet of the unit. Inside, replace the furnace filter, vacuum the blow sections, and clear the condensation drain.
4. Inspect Crawlspaces and the Attic
Familiarize yourself with the nooks and crannies of your new home. In particular, look for any potential problems, such as leaks, mold, and bugs. Install a vapor barrier into the crawlspace if there isn’t already one there.
Read: How to Make A DIY Rustic Live Edge Countertop
5. Replace the Furnace Filter
An old filter in a heating and cooling system can easily create many problems. Sometimes previous owners leave several spares, but if not, buy the replacements yourself. Get into the habit of changing the filter every month.
6. Renew Wood with Mineral Spirits
If the once glossy finish of your woodwork or furniture has become dull and murky, it may be time for refinishing. However, try to clean it with mineral spirits first. Mineral spirits are also called “paint thinners” and they can dissolve grime and reside without ruining the wood finish.
Apply the mineral spirits to the wood with a soft cloth soaked in it. Keep safe, because the fumes are flammable, and work in a well-ventilated area, outside if possible. Allow the cloth to dry outside before tossing it.
7. Install a Detachable Toilet Seat
It’s difficult to fully clean the hinges on the toilet seat, so install a new detachable toilet seat. They are cheap, usually about $20, and installation only requires a wrench. Then you can easily remove it when it’s time to clean and place it right back on.
Find out where the smoke or CO detectors are located and if there are working. If there aren’t any, make it a priority to buy them. They are an inexpensive but very effective way to protect your family. [1]
Here are some tips on how to check and maintain them.
9. Test Your Sump Pump
You can do this by pouring two buckets full of water into it to ensure it works. Sump pumps are most likely to fail after the first heavy rain after months of disuse. The cast irons pumps can rust, seize, and burn out when they switch on. Also, check the sump pump backup system for breakdowns and power-outs.
10. Add Inexpensive Door and Window Alarms
Locking doors and windows can keep your family safe, but adding some small and inexpensive alarms can also deter burglars. They are triggered by the door or window opening, as opposed to the glass breaking like for other monitored systems. The door alarm has a delay feature so you can set the alarm and leave, and open the door and deactivate the alarm when you come home. The windows have an on and off switch. Here’s how to install them:
11. Clean Refrigerator Coils or Pay Unnecessary Repair Bills
Refrigerator condenser coils are found on the back of the fridge or across the bottom of it. When the coils are clogged with dust, they can’t release heat efficiently, which forces the compressor to work harder and longer than it should. This requires more energy and can shorten the life of your refrigerator.
A coil-cleaning brush, which bends to fit into snugs area, or a vacuum can clean it well. If you don’t have such a brush, you can find one online or at appliance stores.
12. Clean Out the Lint for Dryer Efficiency
A screen or dryer duct full of lint greatly reduces the efficiency of your dryer. Clear the lint screen after every load and clean the duct once a year, or in this case, soon after you move it. Allowing these appliances to gather dust and lint can force the dryer to use 30% more electricity and become a fire hazard. Here’s how to clean them:
13. Locate Your Home’s Main Water Shutoff Valve
It’s important to know where the main water shutoff valve is in case of emergencies. It could be located inside, like in a basement, or outside on a wall or in an underground box. The valve is most likely a gate-type valve with a round handle. It should take several full clockwise turns to shut it off.
14. Locate the Electrical Panel
Be sure to locate the electrical panel so you know where to shut off the power in the whole house. The main circuit breaker panel is usually located in the garage, basement, or utility room. The main breaker for the house is usually at the top of the panel. There may be a guide there explains which circuits serve each outlet.
15. Make One Room a Sanctuary
You won’t be able to perfect the entire house at once. Projects and renovations take time; often evening starting such a process takes time. Still, take on one room that doesn’t need much work and set it up however you like. Let this room be your sanctuary to hide from all of the work needed around the rest of the house whenever you need a break. [2]
Keep Reading: If You’re Not Handy, Fake It With These 15 Ridiculously Simple Home Repair Tricks


theheartysoul--2020-10-23--Scientists Create Transparent Wood Nearly As Clear as Glass To Make Stronger, Better Insulating Wind

Scientists Create Transparent Wood Nearly As Clear as Glass To Make Stronger, Better Insulating Windows

It turns out in order to create the building material of the future , we have to look to the past .
Newly invented transparent wood is the new material that could change the game for buildings and energy conservation .
Transparent Wood : The Material of the Future For thousands of years , wood has been used to build homes , buildings , and more .
Today , steel , concrete , and other materials have taken over .
For windows , glass is the most used material , for the obvious reason that we can see through it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ looking at transparent wood – wood that has been stripped of its lignin fibers – to replace glass .
Not only could it make for more energy-efficient buildings , but transparent wood has a wide variety of applications that could improve a variety of industries .
( 1 ) French architect Timothée Boitouzet started looking at wood beyond its traditional uses while studying architecture in Japan .
There , buildings had to survive natural disasters such as earthquakes .
( 1 ) Advertisement Transparent wood is exactly what you are picturing : Wood @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It is made by removing the wood ’ s lignin and replacing it with a specific polymer .
This wood is weather-proof , fire-resistant , three to five times stronger than glass , and , of course , transparent .
( 1 , 3 ) The scientists achieved this by matching the optical properties of the polymer to that of the wood .
This means that light passes right through the material instead of bending , which is why we can see through it .
( 1 ) Read : Nikola Tesla Proved @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Is a Reality For starters , transparent wood is three to five times stronger than glass .
This is especially beneficial in places like Japan where buildings need to withstand extreme weather challenges .
( 1 ) Second , wood is a much more sustainable building material than stone or concrete , as well as glass .
It is a renewable resource that could help lower the construction industry ’ s carbon footprint significantly .
( 1 , 2 ) Materials and construction processes throughout the lifetime of a building account for 11 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ emissions .
( 1 ) Glass manufacturing emissions are around 25,000 metric tons each year , and this does not include the emissions from transporting that glass .
( 2 ) This new material is compatible with existing industrial processing equipment so the transition from old to new will be simple .
( 2 ) Moreover , transparent wood windows could significantly cut energy costs for homes and buildings .
Glass easily allows heat to transfer through it , making buildings warmer in the summer and colder in the winter .
Transparent wood @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , meaning that buildings with these windows installed would require less energy to heat and cool .
( 2 ) Lastly , transparent wood is much lighter and less breakable than glass , making it easier to transport .
It can withstand stronger impacts and if it does break , it splinters rather than shatters .
( 2 ) Read : Student accidentally creates rechargeable battery that could last decades Not Just For Buildings Transparent wood isn ’ t only useful in homes and buildings .
The automotive industry has expressed a high @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
( 1 ) • “ Smart windows ” that can block out light when electricity is run through them The biggest challenge for any new technology like this one is scalability .
In the laboratory setting , you have close control over everything from start to finish .
This of course has to be scaled up to the industrial level , which then becomes much harder to control .
( 1 ) Timber , however , is easy to source .
The wood comes from different tree types , such as ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to make transparent wood as environmentally sustainable as possible .
This means retaining as much as the lignin in the wood as possible so less material has to be discarded .
Keeping more lignin in the panels also means buildings will retain more carbon .
( 1 ) Though there is still a ways to go before transparent wood is a commonly-used product , it is well on its way to becoming a sustainable building material of the future .
Keep Reading : Try not to jiggle while watching these amazing bladeless wind @

It turns out in order to create the building material of the future, we have to look to the past. Newly invented transparent wood is the new material that could change the game for buildings and energy conservation.
Transparent Wood: The Material of the Future
For thousands of years, wood has been used to build homes, buildings, and more. Today, steel, concrete, and other materials have taken over. For windows, glass is the most used material, for the obvious reason that we can see through it.
Several scientists and researchers are now looking at transparent wood – wood that has been stripped of its lignin fibers – to replace glass. Not only could it make for more energy-efficient buildings, but transparent wood has a wide variety of applications that could improve a variety of industries. (1)
French architect Timothée Boitouzet started looking at wood beyond its traditional uses while studying architecture in Japan. There, buildings had to survive natural disasters such as earthquakes. (1)
“In France, we build more with concrete and stone than wood,” he said. “When I was exposed to Japanese building culture, I realized how you could build fantastic structures with wood. This material that we considered an old material, without innovation, was actually super smart. This got me excited about wood.” (1)
What is Transparent Wood?
Transparent wood is exactly what you are picturing: Wood panels that you can see through. It is made by removing the wood’s lignin and replacing it with a specific polymer. This wood is weather-proof, fire-resistant, three to five times stronger than glass, and, of course, transparent. (1, 3)
The scientists achieved this by matching the optical properties of the polymer to that of the wood. This means that light passes right through the material instead of bending, which is why we can see through it. (1)
Read: Nikola Tesla Proved It Was Possible. Now Wireless Electricity Is a Reality
Why is Transparent Wood Beneficial
For starters, transparent wood is three to five times stronger than glass. This is especially beneficial in places like Japan where buildings need to withstand extreme weather challenges. (1)
Second, wood is a much more sustainable building material than stone or concrete, as well as glass. It is a renewable resource that could help lower the construction industry’s carbon footprint significantly. (1, 2)
Materials and construction processes throughout the lifetime of a building account for 11% of the world’s global emissions. (1) Glass manufacturing emissions are around 25,000 metric tons each year, and this does not include the emissions from transporting that glass. (2) This new material is compatible with existing industrial processing equipment so the transition from old to new will be simple. (2)
Moreover, transparent wood windows could significantly cut energy costs for homes and buildings. Glass easily allows heat to transfer through it, making buildings warmer in the summer and colder in the winter. Transparent wood is about five times more thermally efficient, meaning that buildings with these windows installed would require less energy to heat and cool. (2)
Lastly, transparent wood is much lighter and less breakable than glass, making it easier to transport. It can withstand stronger impacts and if it does break, it splinters rather than shatters. (2)
Read: Student accidentally creates rechargeable battery that could last decades
Not Just For Buildings
Transparent wood isn’t only useful in homes and buildings. The automotive industry has expressed a high level of interest in the new material. (1)
Other applications include (1):
Touch panels in cars and electronics
Wood-panel ceilings with embedded LED lights
“Smart windows” that can block out light when electricity is run through them
More efficient solar panels
“We can improve the efficiency (of solar cells) because the scattering of the light (inside the wood) means that the path of the (light) is longer, so you can absorb more energy,” says Lars Berglund, a professor in wood and wood composites at the KTH Royal Institute of Technology in Sweden. (1)
Challenges and Next Steps
The biggest challenge for any new technology like this one is scalability. In the laboratory setting, you have close control over everything from start to finish. This of course has to be scaled up to the industrial level, which then becomes much harder to control. (1)
Timber, however, is easy to source. The wood comes from different tree types, such as (1):
Beech
Pine
Poplar
Birch
Balsa
Researchers are also wanting to make transparent wood as environmentally sustainable as possible. This means retaining as much as the lignin in the wood as possible so less material has to be discarded. Keeping more lignin in the panels also means buildings will retain more carbon. (1)
“If you remove it, you’re adding a chemical step which is going to cost energy, require solvents,” said Prof. Berglund. “So far, we have used petroleum-based polymers to impregnate the wood, but we’re working very intensely now to use a bio-based polymer,” (1)
Though there is still a ways to go before transparent wood is a commonly-used product, it is well on its way to becoming a sustainable building material of the future.
Keep Reading: Try not to jiggle while watching these amazing bladeless wind turbines


theheartysoul--2020-10-22--Some Farmers Are Using Ducks To Kill Pests and Reduce Use of Poisonous Pesticides

Using ducks instead of pesticides might be coming into vogue for farmers everywhere .
Two of the biggest issues farmers face on a daily basis are pests and weeds .
Pests , like bugs and mites , destroy crops .
Weeds take over fields and use up valuable resources that crops need to grow .
Farmers are constantly trying to find ways to control both of these issues , which has led to the widespread use of chemical pesticides and herbicides .
While these products have allowed farmers to increase yields and therefore profit , they can have had a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ health .
An unlikely hero may be able to solve both issues at once : ducks .
Many farmers around the world are beginning to use ducks instead of pesticides to keep their fields clean .
Aigamo : Using Ducks Instead of Pesticides The practice of using ducks to clean rice fields is called integrated rice-duck farming , or Aigamo in Japan .
While it is making headlines today , the practice is by no means new .
Chinese farmers were growing rice and ducks together in irrigated rice fields as early as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , most farmers made the switch to chemical pesticides as a “ quick fix ” for pests and weeds .
As concerns over the environment have increased , however , many of them are returning to this traditional method of pest management [ 1 ] .
AdvertisementJapanese farmer Takao Furuno has written a book entitled The Power of Duck , in which he provides step-by-step instructions for how to make the shift from chemical-dependent rice production to using ducks instead .
Today , tens of thousands of rice growers are now using ducks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ farmers in France and Iran .
Liu Shangwen is a 37-year-old environmentalist-turned-entrepreneur .
He is very interested in China ’ s ancient farming history .
He wanted to bring the practice of duck-integrated farming back , so he and his team researched ancient literature and reached out to University professors for advice .
How are Farmers Using Ducks Instead of Pesticides ?
Ducks control pests like snails , snail eggs , and other insects by eating them .
The waste they then generate is full of beneficial nutrients like phosphorus and nitrogen .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( VER-gun-uckt ) winery in South Africa .
In 1984 , the estate imported six Indian runner ducks to control pests in the garden .
As its name suggests , this duck breed doesn ’ t waddle or fly , it runs .
Today , the estate has over one thousand ducks that clean the vineyards every morning .
Denzil Matthys is the duck caretaker at Vergenoegd .
He says that the ducks are helping the vineyard be more sustainable .
French farmer Bernard Poujol is also using ducks to clean his rice @ @ @ @ @ @ @ when his eldest son went on a trip to Japan and saw the farmers there using ducks instead of pesticides.Advertisement His ducks eat the pests and weeds that harm the rice plants , but not the plants themselves .
After harvesting the rice , there are a lot of weed seeds left behind in the fields .
The ducks eat many of these seeds , effectively lowering the number of weeds that will grow the next year .
The EU has banned 250 chemical pesticides , forcing farmers to come up with alternative @ @ @ @ @ @ @ believes using ducks instead of pesticides is the future of farming [ 4 ] .
Read : Farmers Come Together to Harvest for a Neighbor who Suffered a Heart Attack The Golden Apple Snail is native to South America , but has spread to many other parts of the world .
It has become one of the most destructive invasive species in the world , devastating rice crops everywhere .
Apiwat Chalermklin owns four different flocks of ducks , which he rotates to around different areas of Thailand .
The ducks are very @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the fields after only twenty days in the nursery .
After months of feeding in the fields , the ducks are useful as egg producers .
Chalermklin says that one of the benefits of using ducks instead of pesticides is that it reduces the cost of feeding the ducks .
Ducks Instead of Pesticides : The Drawbacks While using ducks instead of pesticides seems to be a win-win situation all around , it does have its drawbacks .
Most notably , the cost .
At Vergenoegd Estate , the ducks cost about nineteen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Badenhorst says that using traditional chemical-based methods of pest control would be far less expensive , but of course much less sustainable [ 2 ] .
In China , many farmers are choosing the duck method because it allows them to sell their product at a higher price .
Liu ’ s company , for example , targets the emerging middle class of consumers in the country .
These people have stronger purchasing power and more environmental awareness , and so his eco-conscious rice appeals to them [ 1 ] .
In @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of ducks instead of pesticides is helping farmers cope with the impacts of climate change .
Rising temperatures have led to a greater number of insect infestations .
Tang , a Chinese farmer who lost two thirds of his crop in 2013 from insects , has seen massive success when he switched from using chemical pesticides to using ducks .
Reducing the use of these harmful chemicals has also encouraged other wildlife to return to the area .
He believes that as they continue to reduce their usage of chemicals , they will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ area .
As climate change continues to worsen , farmers everywhere will be searching for alternative ways to improve crop yields without harming the environment .
Using ducks is one example of how humans can work together with nature to enhance farming practices without damaging the ecosystem in which we live .
Keep Reading : Why Independent Farming in America Is Close to Extinction

Using ducks instead for pest control might be coming into vogue for farmers everywhere. Two of the biggest issues farmers face on a daily basis are pests and weeds. Pests, like bugs and mites, destroy crops. Weeds take over fields and use up valuable resources that crops need to grow. Farmers are constantly trying to find ways to control both of these issues, which has led to the widespread use of chemical pesticides and herbicides. While these products have allowed farmers to increase yields and therefore profit, they can have had a detrimental impact on our environment and our health.
An unlikely hero may be able to solve both issues at once: ducks. Many farmers around the world are beginning to use ducks instead of pesticides to keep their fields clean.
Aigamo: Using Ducks For Pest Control
The practice of using ducks to clean rice fields is called integrated rice-duck farming, or Aigamo in Japan. While it is making headlines today, the practice is by no means new. Chinese farmers were growing rice and ducks together in irrigated rice fields as early as six hundred years ago. Centuries later, most farmers made the switch to chemical pesticides as a “quick fix” for pests and weeds. As concerns over the environment have increased, however, many of them are returning to this traditional method of pest management.
Japanese farmer Takao Furuno has written a book entitled The Power of Duck, in which he provides step-by-step instructions for how to make the shift from chemical-dependent rice production to using ducks instead. Today, tens of thousands of rice growers are now using ducks instead of pesticides, as well as farmers in France and Iran.
Liu Shangwen is a 37-year-old environmentalist-turned-entrepreneur. He is very interested in China’s ancient farming history. He wanted to bring the practice of duck-integrated farming back, so he and his team researched ancient literature and reached out to University professors for advice.
“Rice is a staple food in China, and I’ve heard of enlisting ducks to produce organic rice from my previous work,” he explained.
Read More: Khaki Campbell Ducks | The Best Egg Laying Duck
How are Farmers Using Ducks For Pest Control?
Ducks control pests like snails, snail eggs, and other insects by eating them. The waste they then generate is full of beneficial nutrients like phosphorus and nitrogen. This has been immensely helpful for Vergenoegd (VER-gun-uckt) winery in South Africa. In 1984, the estate imported six Indian runner ducks to control pests in the garden. As its name suggests, this duck breed doesn’t waddle or fly, it runs. Today, the estate has over one thousand ducks that clean the vineyards every morning.
“If you use conventional pest control, those chemicals are absorbed into the soil, which affects the growth of the vines and kills insects,” said vineyard social media manager David Badenhorst. “Our ducks go into the vineyards, and they eat the snails and snail eggs while fertilizing the soil.”
Denzil Matthys is the duck caretaker at Vergenoegd. He says that the ducks are helping the vineyard be more sustainable.
“We try to keep a pesticide-free farm by using the ducks,” he says. “They help us not to use poison on the farm.”
French farmer Bernard Poujol is also using ducks to clean his rice fields. He learned about the practice when his eldest son went on a trip to Japan and saw the farmers there using ducks instead of pesticides. His ducks eat the pests and weeds that harm the rice plants, but not the plants themselves. After harvesting the rice, there are a lot of weed seeds left behind in the fields. The ducks eat many of these seeds, effectively lowering the number of weeds that will grow the next year.
The EU has banned 250 chemical pesticides, forcing farmers to come up with alternative solutions. For this reason, Poujol believes using ducks instead of pesticides is the future of farming.
Ducks Versus Snails
The Golden Apple Snail is native to South America, but has spread to many other parts of the world. It has become one of the most destructive invasive species in the world, devastating rice crops everywhere. Apiwat Chalermklin owns four different flocks of ducks, which he rotates to around different areas of Thailand. The ducks are very young, and he releases them into the fields after only twenty days in the nursery.
“They help eat golden apple snails and remains of unwanted rice husks that drop into the field from last harvest,” said rice farmer Prang Sipipat. “The ducks also step on the rice stubble to flatten the ground and make it easier to plough.”
After months of feeding in the fields, the ducks are useful as egg producers. Chalermklin says that one of the benefits of using ducks instead of pesticides is that it reduces the cost of feeding the ducks.
“In return, for the rice farmers, the ducks help eat pests from the farm and the farmers can reduce the use of chemicals and pesticides,” he explained.
Read More: Duck vs. Chicken Eggs: Which Is Better?
Ducks Instead of Pesticides: The Drawbacks
While using ducks instead of pesticides seems to be a win-win situation all around, it does have its drawbacks. Most notably, the cost. At Vergenoegd Estate, the ducks cost about nineteen thousand dollars per year to care for. Badenhorst says that using traditional chemical-based methods of pest control would be far less expensive, but of course much less sustainable.
In China, many farmers are choosing the duck method because it allows them to sell their product at a higher price. Liu’s company, for example, targets the emerging middle class of consumers in the country. These people have stronger purchasing power and more environmental awareness, and so his eco-conscious rice appeals to them [1].
Ducks and Climate Change
In many parts of China, the use of ducks instead of pesticides is helping farmers cope with the impacts of climate change. Rising temperatures have led to a greater number of insect infestations.
Tang, a Chinese farmer who lost two thirds of his crop in 2013 from insects, has seen massive success when he switched from using chemical pesticides to using ducks. Reducing the use of these harmful chemicals has also encouraged other wildlife to return to the area.
“We didn’t see egrets in the village for more than ten years, but now some are coming back,” Tang said. “The use of toxic chemicals has scared them away, but as we spray less pesticides, more birds return. I recently even saw pheasants in my rice paddies.”
He believes that as they continue to reduce their usage of chemicals, they will see even more wildlife returning to the area.
Ducks are the future of pest control
As climate change continues to worsen, farmers everywhere will be searching for alternative ways to improve crop yields without harming the environment. Using ducks is one example of how humans can work together with nature to enhance farming practices without damaging the ecosystem in which we live.
Keep Reading: How To Raise Ducks For Eggs


theheartysoul--2020-10-21--This Man Built A 500,000-Gallon Pool In His Backyard, And It’s The Stuff That Childhood Dreams Are M

This Man Built A 500,000-Gallon Pool In His Backyard, And It’s The Stuff That Childhood Dreams Are Made Of

There are many out there with the dream of building their own functional pool or maybe even a hot tub in their backyard .
However , for a family like the Thornton ’ s , a regular-sized DIY pool was never going to cut it .
You have to go big or go home .
Born and raised in Covington , Tennessee , Micky Thornton has always had big dreams of an awesome backyard pool .
Dedicating his childhood , and much of his adulthood , to creating one of the most incredible DIY masterpieces anyone could hope to make @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to Thornton when he was about nine or ten years old , he claims .
He said that he didn ’ t want something that felt like you were trapped in a little box when you swam around .
For him , this wasn ’ t going to be just a pool .
This was going to be something extraordinary that was going to last a lifetime .
( 1 ) At 39 years of age Thornton said that if there was any time to build something like this , it might as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Labor Day 1993 when Thornton first decided that he was going to make the ultimate DIY dream pool .
Except this pool was going to be a pond .
The pond started at 20 feet deep and lined with a polyethylene mat .
( 1 ) Advertisement By 2017 the pool had essentially turned into what was an aquatic playground .
This masterpiece used 40,000 pounds of steel rebar , 320 yards of gunite ( a cement mixture ) , it featured rock-lined waterfalls and contains half a million gallons of water .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Future , Starting This Summer Why Did He Make Such a Massive Pool ?
Thornton said that he initially wanted the pool for family use only .
But as his DIY pool gained attraction from the public , people started offering to pay money to swim .
Eventually , the Thornton family started setting up regular donation prices for attendees .
The Thornton ’ s pool was now available to the public .
People are now able to reserve the DIY pool for athletic teams , birthday parties , weddings , and even @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 400 people from the various churches in the area in the massive dream pool .
( 2 ) Thornton ’ s wife , Jane Thornton , said that she ’ s received offers from the Japanese national baseball team to come use the pool .
She states that she was expecting maybe 25 people total to come .
However , much to her surprise , the team brought more than 50 people for some fun in the pool .
Read : What Do You Think Of This Amazing Swimming Pool Made Out Of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Maintenance Like For A DIY Pool ?
Thornton claims he ’ s had to make multiple adjustments over the years to the DIY pool .
Over the first 15 years , Thornton had to do some major modifications by upgrading the rubber lining , adding in waterfalls , and most of the rock decorations .
Thornton has even created his own filtration system .
It wasn ’ t until about 2013 when the Thornton family made the DIY pool look like it does today .
( 2 ) Donations have also helped with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Was The Cost For This DIY Pool ?
Thornton never specifically said how much the project cost him , but there have been similar projects .
On such project in Alberta , Canada , the Leussinks DIY pool project , consists of 31,700-gallons of water .
Using similar materials and the same concept , it cost them around $ 15,000 .
However , this project focused on pool length instead of depth .
The Leussinks is only 14 feet deep , whereas Thornton ’ s is 20 .
( 1 ) The additional @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cost .
In the end , it ’ s difficult to know the exact price but its probably safe to say that it wasn ’ t cheap .
What Is The Pool Like Today ?
In case you ’ re wondering , we ’ re not sure if the Thornton ’ s DIY pool masterpiece is still available to the public .
As of 2017 , The family was still offering its pool to the community , and it has garnered excellent reviews over the years .
We ’ re really hoping they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ How To Build The Coolest Looking ‘ Pallet Swimming Pool ’ Ever , Using Only 40 Pallets !

There are many out there with the dream of building their own functional pool or maybe even a hot tub in their backyard. However, for a family like the Thornton’s, a regular-sized DIY pool was never going to cut it. You have to go big or go home.
Born and raised in Covington, Tennessee, Micky Thornton has always had big dreams of an awesome backyard pool. Dedicating his childhood, and much of his adulthood, to creating one of the most incredible DIY masterpieces anyone could hope to make.
This dream DIY pool project came to Thornton when he was about nine or ten years old, he claims. He said that he didn’t want something that felt like you were trapped in a little box when you swam around. For him, this wasn’t going to be just a pool. This was going to be something extraordinary that was going to last a lifetime. (1)
The DIY Pool Dream
At 39 years of age Thornton said that if there was any time to build something like this, it might as well be right now. It was Labor Day 1993 when Thornton first decided that he was going to make the ultimate DIY dream pool. Except this pool was going to be a pond. The pond started at 20 feet deep and lined with a polyethylene mat. (1)
By 2017 the pool had essentially turned into what was an aquatic playground. This masterpiece used 40,000 pounds of steel rebar, 320 yards of gunite (a cement mixture), it featured rock-lined waterfalls and contains half a million gallons of water.
Why Did He Make Such a Massive Pool?
Thornton said that he initially wanted the pool for family use only. But as his DIY pool gained attraction from the public, people started offering to pay money to swim. Eventually, the Thornton family started setting up regular donation prices for attendees. The Thornton’s pool was now available to the public. People are now able to reserve the DIY pool for athletic teams, birthday parties, weddings, and even baptisms.
They have reportedly baptized over 400 people from the various churches in the area in the massive dream pool. (2)
Thornton’s wife, Jane Thornton, said that she’s received offers from the Japanese national baseball team to come use the pool. She states that she was expecting maybe 25 people total to come. However, much to her surprise, the team brought more than 50 people for some fun in the pool.
Read: What Do You Think Of This Amazing Swimming Pool Made Out Of A Shipping Container?
What Is The Maintenance Like For A DIY Pool?
Thornton claims he’s had to make multiple adjustments over the years to the DIY pool. Over the first 15 years, Thornton had to do some major modifications by upgrading the rubber lining, adding in waterfalls, and most of the rock decorations. Thornton has even created his own filtration system. It wasn’t until about 2013 when the Thornton family made the DIY pool look like it does today. (2) Donations have also helped with the upkeep of the pool.
What Was The Cost For This DIY Pool?
Thornton never specifically said how much the project cost him, but there have been similar projects. On such project in Alberta, Canada, the Leussinks DIY pool project, consists of 31,700-gallons of water. Using similar materials and the same concept, it cost them around $15,000. However, this project focused on pool length instead of depth. The Leussinks is only 14 feet deep, whereas Thornton’s is 20. (1) The additional water most likely would add to the cost. In the end, it’s difficult to know the exact price but its probably safe to say that it wasn’t cheap.
What Is The Pool Like Today?
In case you’re wondering, we’re not sure if the Thornton’s DIY pool masterpiece is still available to the public. As of 2017, The family was still offering its pool to the community, and it has garnered excellent reviews over the years. We’re really hoping they are still around!
Keep reading: How To Build The Coolest Looking ‘Pallet Swimming Pool’ Ever, Using Only 40 Pallets!


theheartysoul--2020-10-23--Carrots Are Orange For Purely Political Reasons. Here’s How We Lost The Rest of the Rainbow.

Over the last several years , you may have noticed a rainbow of carrot colors showing up on grocery store shelves .
While these brightly-colored carrots may seem like the product of modern agriculture , they are actually centuries old .
In fact , heirloom varieties of the vegetable are far older than the orange carrots we have become accustomed to .
Initially , carrot colors varied greatly , from white to yellow to purple .
What Happened to the Carrot Colors ?
The story of how we reached orange carrot dominance is rife with political drama , national pride @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The oft-told story is that in the 17th century , Dutch growers began cultivating orange carrots to honor William of Orange .
In the 16th century , the Dutch lowlands were a Spanish colony .
Monarchs in Madrid ruled them as the Spanish Netherlands .
Prince William of Orange ( an area that is now the south of France ) was one of the main leaders of the Dutch struggle for independence .
The Dutch Revolt began in 1566 , which led them to finally become the independent Dutch Republic more than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ before Independence became official , but the Dutch largely regard him as the country ’ s founding father .
When the Dutch moved from being a republic to having a monarchy , Prince William ’ s descendants were the ones to occupy the throne .
The story goes that Dutch farmers began to develop and cultivate orange varieties of carrots to honor the House of Orange .
From there , the orange carrots gained popularity and began spreading around the world [ 1 ] .
The first written descriptions of the Long Orange @ @ @ @ @ @ @ carrots eventually led to the orange Horn carrot that we are familiar with today .
The Horn carrot comes from the Dutch town of Hoorn , where it supposedly originates from [ 2 ] .
This is the story you will most often hear to explain why all other carrot colors nearly disappeared .
But is it really true ?
The Myth of the Lost Carrot Colors According to John Stolarczyk , curator of the World Carrot Museum , this story is false .
“ Though the development and stabilization of the orange @ @ @ @ @ @ @ around that period in the Netherlands , it is unlikely that honoring William of Orange had anything to do with it , ” he said .
“ There is no documentary evidence that the Dutch invented orange carrots to honor their royal family.
” [ 1 ] In a 2011 report that Stolarczyk co-authored , he explained the evolution of carrots .
According to the report , wild carrots were originally white or pale yellow .
When people began cultivating them five thousand years ago , however , they changed to purple and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ two distinct classes of carrots : Asiatic carrots around the Himalayas , and Western carrots in the Middle East and Turkey .
The report suggests that carrots in the Western group likely started off as yellow , but farmers gradually began selectively planting carrots with brighter orange colors [ 3 ] .
Eventually , traders introduced carrots to Europe , and there are documents from Spain that show people cultivating orange and purple carrots in the fourteenth century .
That was long before William of Orange began his political work in the Netherlands.Advertisement @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had become one of the main agricultural forces in Europe .
This made them capable of propagating orange carrots in large quantities .
According to Stolarczyk , the weather conditions in the Netherlands were better for growing orange carrots .
This made them rise to dominance over other carrot colors .
He said that Dutch merchants began selling them across the continent .
When other countries like France , Spain , and Germany decided they liked them orange carrots became the norm .
This effectively erased all other carrot colors from the market @ @ @ @ @ @ @ orange carrots come to be connected with William the Orange ?
Prince William and his sons became incredibly successful military and political leaders .
William ’ s son Frederick and his wife Amalia had exclusive access to luxury goods through the Dutch trading companies .
Like many prominent figures throughout history , they enjoyed showing off their riches .
The name Orange , and subsequently the color , became a key tool in the Dynasty ’ s public relations .
Each of Frederick ’ s four daughters built their own palaces and named @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the buildings orange and planted orange trees in their gardens .
Eating orange carrots eventually became a way for the public to show support for the family .
The sale of carrots and the political standing of the Orange family were became intertwined .
In fact , there were times when authorities banned the vegetable from Dutch markets when the family ’ s political standing faltered [ 4 ] .
As more people become interested in heirloom varieties of fruits and vegetables , different carrot colors are experiencing somewhat of a renaissance .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ anyone using these carrots as a political weapon , however .
With that aside , they can add a pop of color to your next salad .
Keep Reading : The Carrot Gardening Hack for the Best Harvest Every Time

When people plant their first vegetable gardens, they tend to start with herbs, tomatoes, and similarly easy crops. Since carrots grow below ground, they seem more complicated to grow, but this is not the case. With proper guidance, anyone could be growing a crop of delicious carrots without fuss.
For a successful harvest, check out this secret tip that ensures delicious, bright, and crunchy carrots every time.
Introduction to Carrots and Their Varieties
Carrots are root vegetables, which means they grow in the earth with only their leafy green tops visible. The most well-known varieties are brilliant orange colors, but others look purple and pale yellow.
Here are some varieties you can try:
Nantes : Nantes carrots are named after the French city where they do exceptionally well. They’ve also become popular for home gardeners because their growth cycle is short and their taste is delicious.
: Nantes carrots are named after the French city where they do exceptionally well. They’ve also become popular for home gardeners because their growth cycle is short and their taste is delicious. Danvers : These carrots are what you think of what you imagine the perfect carrot: about eight inches long, thick, and bright reddish-orange.
: These carrots are what you think of what you imagine the perfect carrot: about eight inches long, thick, and bright reddish-orange. Mini : Mini carrots are ideal for container gardens and they are often served with their greens still attached. They add a perfect touch of delicious ruggedness to any meal.
: Mini carrots are ideal for container gardens and they are often served with their greens still attached. They add a perfect touch of delicious ruggedness to any meal. Chantenay : These carrots work well with rockier soils and can grow to about seven inches long. Therefore, they can thrive in gardens or large containers. Keep in mind that if they grow too long, they will lose their sweet flavor.
: These carrots work well with rockier soils and can grow to about seven inches long. Therefore, they can thrive in gardens or large containers. Keep in mind that if they grow too long, they will lose their sweet flavor. Imperator: These are the standard carrots most people buy from grocery stores, thick, long, and sweet.
Read More: 10 Vegetables That Tolerate Partial Sun And Shade
How To Grow Carrots
Carrots thrive in cool weather so they should be planted early in the spring before the summer heat comes. Don’t worry about a false spring since many types of carrots can survive some frost. Plant them in a sunny area. Full sunlight is best but they can also grow in partial sunlight.
The soil should generally be loose, loamy, and rock-free. Any kind of debris in the earth can force the carrots to mold into strange shapes. Additionally, keep the soil as neutral pH as possible.
No matter if you choose to raise them in the ground, in containers, or a raised bed, the method of planting carrots is the same. Scatter the seeds and hide them under a thin amount of soil. The carrots should be given about an inch or two of space to grow — a little like spacing out cookie dough on a pan before baking them.
Carrots require plenty of water to keep the soil moist until the tops of greenery emerge.
The Best Carrot Planting Hack
Here’s the hardest part: ensuring the carrots sprout. They need constant moisture in order to do so and they could be a little temperamental.
Fortunately, our resident farmer, Thomas, shared a secret for growing carrots from his grandfather.
After you seed the row of soil and water them, place a 1″ x 4″ board over them. You read that right; place the board over the soil with the seeds. Lift it daily to check the seeds and water them. Once they begin to sprout, prop up the board with bricks on either side of the row. This way, the soil is still shaded but the sprouts have room to grow. Once the seedlings can reach the board, you can remove it.
This hack will keep the seeds moist and shaded as they sprout — the most vital part of the process.
Read More: 12 Vegetables You Can Grow All Winter
More About Planting Carrots
Avoiding Pests
Before you seed, ensure you are rotating your crops. Planting carrots in the same place makes them more susceptible to pests, particularly nematodes, and cavity spot — a kind of fungal infection that makes the crops inedible.
Additionally, till the soil, if you have had issues with wireworms before you plant. Once the carrots are growing, there’s little to do to fight a wireworm infestation if you want to keep the crops.
Harvesting the Carrot Crop
Harvest depends on the type of carrot, but it should be anywhere between 50 to over 75 days. Baby carrots are pulled when they are still small, but regular-sized carrots are usually about a half of an inch.
Here’s how you know if the carrots are ripe for the pulling: Feel the base of the vegetable, just beyond the greens. If a carrot is ready, it will have “shoulders” about three-quarters of an inch.
Loosen the soil with a fork or a similar tool before pulling the carrots. You don’t want to disconnect the stem from a stubborn vegetable.
Carrots can become soft when they are left in storage for too long. They are best consumed fresh so don’t harvest more carrots than you can eat in a short amount of time. Unlike lettuce that turns bitter or tomatoes that become overripe, carrots can be left in the garden for weeks with no unsavory effects on them. Just be sure that the garden is weed-free, the soil is well-balanced, and the weather is still warm.
Keep Reading: How To Store Carrots For 5+ Months


theheartysoul--2020-10-23--Cabin Hiding In The Hills Has A Heated Waterfall Swimming Hole

Luxury has redefined itself over the years , especially when it comes to resorts .
Have you ever had the opportunity to step into a heated waterfall swimming hole before ?
Located in Columbus , Ohio , The Cliffs at Hocking Hills has one !
Move over Glamping , This stunning and newly restored lodge can accommodate up to 18 guests for the perfect getaway .
The Cantwell Lodge was originally built in 1929 as a boy scout cabin and was restored recently in 2020 by local designers Kimball and Christine .
The refurbished lodge includes 6 bedrooms , a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ living rooms , a game room , a hot tub , a swimming hole , and of course the heated waterfall .
Not to mention this place is located in one of the most scenic places in Ohio , about 5 minutes away from the Cantwell Cliffs .
( 1 ) Read : This Man Built A 500,000-Gallon Pool In His Backyard , And It ’ s The Stuff That Childhood Dreams Are Made Of Yes , the Waterfall is Heated .
The water is continuously pumped from the swimming hole to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the water for hours and still feel like you could stay in the water for a couple more .
There ’ s also a nice hot tub for you to stargaze in if you get too chilly swimming .
The scenery from the patio is absolutely breathtaking at any time of the day .
Whether you just woke up and poured your coffee or you want to start a fire with your friends until the moon comes out .
( 1 ) Advertisement The water itself is a natural piece of the land @ @ @ @ @ @ @ recently manmade .
The designers wanted to really give the resort something that was going to hook people .
Amazingly , they have captured that feeling entirely with a few simple words ; “ heated waterfall ” .
Can you even imagine being able to swim through a shower-like waterfall ?
It ’ s almost as if you can feel all of the stress being washed away already !
Read : Cabins We Wouldn ’ t Mind Being Stuck in Right Now What Else Is There To Do ?
Aside from obsessing over @ @ @ @ @ @ @ there is also an abundance of small walking trails for you to choose from .
If you want to go for a mid-day walk through the woods in the surrounding area , mother nature is right there for you to explore .
The Cantwell Cliffs are also very close by which also has awesome hiking trails for visitors .
There ’ s even another waterfall on the cliffs but it depends on the amount of rainfall that it received that year .
( 1 ) Another incredible thing about this place at night @ @ @ @ @ @ @ see outside .
As you wrap up your heated waterfall experience , you ’ ll definitely want to get bundled up around the firepit with some nice boozy drinks while you and your friends watch the sky .
You ’ ll find yourselves spending countless hours outdoors immersing in all of the intoxicating elements this lodge has to offer .
( 1 ) Read : How to Build Your Own Wood-Fired Hot Tub The lodge itself will also keep you extremely entertained even when you ’ re not wanting to be outside .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ you and your friends to warm up around if you don ’ t want the outside firepit .
Of course , there are two living rooms so you have two fireplaces to choose from !
Both living rooms are lined with the comfiest blankets , pillows , and furniture you could imagine .
Almost as if you are in a magical royal lodge in the woods .
( 1 ) The kitchen is also an impeccable masterpiece .
It ’ s designed to have anything and everything you need in order to make @ @ @ @ @ @ @ A nice island bar in the middle with tons of space for cooking .
Every kind of utensil and dish is just as stunning as the rest of the kitchen , too .
The fun doesn ’ t stop there , each room has its own wrap-around deck for you to walk around on .
There are hammocks all around for you to lounge in as well while you read a book or take a quick snooze in the sunlight .
The view from the balcony allows you to not only see the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ overlook over the heated waterfall too .
You get to experience the surrounding nature at such a close distance that you ’ ll forget that you were anywhere near civilization .
This luxurious lodge also comes with a game room for you and your friends if you need something a little more entertaining for the evenings .
The game room includes a hockey table , arcade games , and basketball .
There ’ s also a nice little lounge area in the game room for people to socialize while others play games .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ can be a little steep , if you bring enough friends or family it shouldn ’ t be a problem !
A single person would have to spend $ 899 a night while it ’ s only $ 375 if you bring up to 18 people .
If you ’ re wanting someplace fun and something memorable , then you should consider the Cantwell Lodge at The Cliffs .
It really doesn ’ t get as luxurious as this place !
( 1 ) Advertisement Keep reading : A Couple Buy a Collapsing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Revamp it Into a Desert Oasis

Luxury has redefined itself over the years, especially when it comes to resorts. Have you ever had the opportunity to step into a heated waterfall swimming hole before? Located in Columbus, Ohio, The Cliffs at Hocking Hills has one! Move over Glamping, This stunning and newly restored lodge can accommodate up to 18 guests for the perfect getaway.
The Cantwell Lodge was originally built in 1929 as a boy scout cabin and was restored recently in 2020 by local designers Kimball and Christine. The refurbished lodge includes 6 bedrooms, a sleeping loft, 5.5 bathrooms, 2 living rooms, a game room, a hot tub, a swimming hole, and of course the heated waterfall. Not to mention this place is located in one of the most scenic places in Ohio, about 5 minutes away from the Cantwell Cliffs. (1)
Read: This Man Built A 500,000-Gallon Pool In His Backyard, And It’s The Stuff That Childhood Dreams Are Made Of
Yes, the Waterfall is Heated.
The water is continuously pumped from the swimming hole to the heated waterfall. You can swim in the water for hours and still feel like you could stay in the water for a couple more. There’s also a nice hot tub for you to stargaze in if you get too chilly swimming. The scenery from the patio is absolutely breathtaking at any time of the day. Whether you just woke up and poured your coffee or you want to start a fire with your friends until the moon comes out. (1)
The water itself is a natural piece of the land, however, the swimming hole is recently manmade. The designers wanted to really give the resort something that was going to hook people. Amazingly, they have captured that feeling entirely with a few simple words; “heated waterfall”. Can you even imagine being able to swim through a shower-like waterfall? It’s almost as if you can feel all of the stress being washed away already!
Read: Cabins We Wouldn’t Mind Being Stuck in Right Now
What Else Is There To Do?
Aside from obsessing over how amazing the heated waterfall is, there is also an abundance of small walking trails for you to choose from. If you want to go for a mid-day walk through the woods in the surrounding area, mother nature is right there for you to explore. The Cantwell Cliffs are also very close by which also has awesome hiking trails for visitors. There’s even another waterfall on the cliffs but it depends on the amount of rainfall that it received that year. (1)
Another incredible thing about this place at night are the number of stars you can see outside. As you wrap up your heated waterfall experience, you’ll definitely want to get bundled up around the firepit with some nice boozy drinks while you and your friends watch the sky. You’ll find yourselves spending countless hours outdoors immersing in all of the intoxicating elements this lodge has to offer. (1)
Read: How to Build Your Own Wood-Fired Hot Tub
Inside The Lodge
The lodge itself will also keep you extremely entertained even when you’re not wanting to be outside. Inside includes a very cozy fireplace for you and your friends to warm up around if you don’t want the outside firepit. Of course, there are two living rooms so you have two fireplaces to choose from! Both living rooms are lined with the comfiest blankets, pillows, and furniture you could imagine. Almost as if you are in a magical royal lodge in the woods. (1)
The kitchen is also an impeccable masterpiece. It’s designed to have anything and everything you need in order to make your visit as comfy as possible. A nice island bar in the middle with tons of space for cooking. Every kind of utensil and dish is just as stunning as the rest of the kitchen, too.
The fun doesn’t stop there, each room has its own wrap-around deck for you to walk around on. There are hammocks all around for you to lounge in as well while you read a book or take a quick snooze in the sunlight. The view from the balcony allows you to not only see the surrounding woods but gives you a huge overlook over the heated waterfall too. You get to experience the surrounding nature at such a close distance that you’ll forget that you were anywhere near civilization.
This luxurious lodge also comes with a game room for you and your friends if you need something a little more entertaining for the evenings. The game room includes a hockey table, arcade games, and basketball. There’s also a nice little lounge area in the game room for people to socialize while others play games. (1)
The Heated Waterfall Awaits!
Even though the pricing can be a little steep, if you bring enough friends or family it shouldn’t be a problem! A single person would have to spend $899 a night while it’s only $375 if you bring up to 18 people. If you’re wanting someplace fun and something memorable, then you should consider the Cantwell Lodge at The Cliffs. It really doesn’t get as luxurious as this place! (1)
Keep reading: A Couple Buy a Collapsing Cabin For $7K in Joshua Tree and Revamp it Into a Desert Oasis


theheartysoul--2020-10-23--The Coconut Crab Kills Birds And Breaks Bones – And May Have Eaten Amelia Earhart Alive

When Charles Darwin saw a coconut crab for the first time , the only word he could think of to describe it was “ monstrous ” .
These massive crustaceans look like something out of a sci-fi movie , with their hard shells and large pincers .
Coconut crabs will eat anything , from fruits to birds , to larger animals , and some experts believe they may have eaten Amelia Earheart , too .
The coconut crab is the largest terrestrial arthropod in the world .
They can have a leg span of up to three feet and can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ crab ’ s front-most legs have massive claws that they use to break open coconuts , and these claws can lift objects that weigh up to 64 pounds [ 1 ] .
In Darwin ’ s time , there were many stories about the amazing and horrific things the coconut crab could do .
There were rumors of them climbing trees and dangling for hours from just once pincer , stories of their grotesque claws that could break through a coconut .
Of course , there were also rumors that these giant creatures @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2 ] .Advertisement There is , of course , some truth to these rumors .
The coconut crab ’ s claws are some of the most powerful weapons in the animal kingdom , and they can in fact break through a coconut .
The tropical fruit makes up the majority of the crab ’ s diet , hence its name .
Without its claws , it would not be capable of this .
The coconut crab , however , will eat just about anything .
They ’ ll eat other fruits as well @ @ @ @ @ @ @ birds and live pigs .
The crabs may sometimes eat the corpses of other crabs , and even devour their own exoskeleton after they shed it [ 2,3 ] .
Where does the Coconut Crab Live ?
The coconut crab lives in areas throughout the Indian and Western Pacific oceans .
The largest population lives on Christmas Island in the Indian ocean .
You can also find them on the Cook Islands , in particular Pukapuka , Suwarrow , Mangaia , Takutea , Mauke , Atiu , and smaller islands of Palmerston , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ] .
Read : New Species of Turtle Discovered ( and they sure are pretty ) The mystery of what happened to Amelia Earhart has baffled historians and scientists for decades .
Many believe that she crash-landed in the Pacific ocean during her round-the-world flight , where she drowned .
Having been unable to find her remains , this seemed like the most plausible explanation for her disappearance .
Some people , however , have a different theory .
The International Group for Historic Aircraft Recovery ( TIGHAR ) believes that the coconut @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the pilot ’ s demise .
On July 2 , 1937 , Earhart and her navigator , Fred Noonan tried to land on the Pacific Island , Howland .
The group hypothesizes that when they couldn ’ t find it , they instead landed on Nikumaroro .
The rest of the theory is as follows : Noonan eventually died , the plane floated off the reef , and Earhart was alone .
At least , there were no other humans with her on the island .
Three years later , thirteen bones were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to be part of Amelia Earhart ’ s skeleton .
Authorities sent the bones to Fiji for examination , but they got lost on the way .
What happened to the other 206 bones of Earhart ’ s body ?
TIGHAR believes this is where the coconut crab comes in .
When the bones were discovered , coconut crabs had scattered them around .
The organization ’ s theory says that the crabs likely consumed Earhart ’ s body after she died , and dragged her bones back to their burrows .
To @ @ @ @ @ @ @ determine whether or not the crabs would bring the bones back to their burrows or not .
As a test , they placed a pig carcass where they believe Earhart might have been and waited .
Just as they expected , the crabs , along with several strawberry hermit crabs , swarmed the body .
Within two weeks , the crabs had removed most of the flesh .
A year later , they found the crabs had dragged some of the bones sixty feet .
They could not , however , find all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The Dogs are On the Scent In 2001 , unearthed possible signs of an American castaway on the island , including the remains of several campfires , items such as a jackknife , a woman ’ s compact , a zipper pull , and glass jars .
In 2017 , TIGHAR brought for forensic dogs to the site , who signaled that they had found a spot where someone had died [ 5 ] .
They didn ’ t find the bones then , but they ’ re still hoping .
The organization @ @ @ @ @ @ @ find the source of the scent that alerted the dogs , and that they will eventually find the spot where the coconut crabs carried Earhart ’ s remains all those years ago .
Should You Fear the Coconut Crab ?
If you live in North America , you likely will never come face-to-face with a coconut crab .
If you ever visit an area with a coconut crab population , however , you do want to be careful .
Coconut crabs don ’ t usually bother people , but they will if provoked @ @ @ @ @ @ @ crabs have more reason to fear us than we do them .
It ’ s possible that Earhart was the only person ever killed by one of these creatures , and yet humans have killed them to near extinction [ 2 ] .
Of course , if you ever do meet one of these terrifying creatures , you would have every reason to be afraid .
They are quite scary-looking , and are likely not worth sticking around for the photo opp .
Keep Reading : 16 Fish You Should Consider Never Eating

When Charles Darwin saw a coconut crab for the first time, the only word he could think of to describe it was “monstrous”.
These massive crustaceans look like something out of a sci-fi movie, with their hard shells and large pincers. Coconut crabs will eat anything, from fruits to birds, to larger animals, and some experts believe they may have eaten Amelia Earhart, too.
The Coconut Crab
The coconut crab is the largest terrestrial arthropod in the world. They can have a leg span of up to three feet and can weigh up to nine pounds. The crab’s front-most legs have massive claws that they use to break open coconuts, and these claws can lift objects that weigh up to 64 pounds [1].
In Darwin’s time, there were many stories about the amazing and horrific things the coconut crab could do. There were rumors of them climbing trees and dangling for hours from just once pincer, stories of their grotesque claws that could break through a coconut. Of course, there were also rumors that these giant creatures could rip a human being apart [2].
There is, of course, some truth to these rumors. The coconut crab’s claws are some of the most powerful weapons in the animal kingdom, and they can in fact break through a coconut. The tropical fruit makes up the majority of the crab’s diet, hence its name. Without its claws, it would not be capable of this.
The coconut crab, however, will eat just about anything. They’ll eat other fruits as well, but will also hunt and kill birds and live pigs. The crabs may sometimes eat the corpses of other crabs, and even devour their own exoskeleton after they shed it [2,3].
Where does the Coconut Crab Live?
The coconut crab lives in areas throughout the Indian and Western Pacific oceans. The largest population lives on Christmas Island in the Indian ocean. You can also find them on the Cook Islands, in particular Pukapuka, Suwarrow, Mangaia, Takutea, Mauke, Atiu, and smaller islands of Palmerston, as well as on Seychelles [1].
Did Coconut Crabs Eat Amelia Earhart?
The mystery of what happened to Amelia Earhart has baffled historians and scientists for decades. Many believe that she crash-landed in the Pacific ocean during her round-the-world flight, where she drowned.
Having been unable to find her remains, this seemed like the most plausible explanation for her disappearance. Some people, however, have a different theory. The International Group for Historic Aircraft Recovery (TIGHAR) believes that the coconut crab had a role to play in the pilot’s demise.
On July 2, 1937, Earhart and her navigator, Fred Noonan tried to land on the Pacific Island, Howland. The group hypothesizes that when they couldn’t find it, they instead landed on Nikumaroro.
The rest of the theory is as follows: Noonan eventually died, the plane floated off the reef, and Earhart was alone. At least, there were no other humans with her on the island.
Three years later, thirteen bones were found on the island that were thought to be part of Amelia Earhart’s skeleton. Authorities sent the bones to Fiji for examination, but they got lost on the way.
What happened to the other 206 bones of Earhart’s body?
TIGHAR believes this is where the coconut crab comes in. When the bones were discovered, coconut crabs had scattered them around. The organization’s theory says that the crabs likely consumed Earhart’s body after she died, and dragged her bones back to their burrows.
To prove this theory, TIGHAR had to determine whether or not the crabs would bring the bones back to their burrows or not. As a test, they placed a pig carcass where they believe Earhart might have been and waited. Just as they expected, the crabs, along with several strawberry hermit crabs, swarmed the body.
Within two weeks, the crabs had removed most of the flesh. A year later, they found the crabs had dragged some of the bones sixty feet. They could not, however, find all of the remains [4].
The Dogs are On the Scent
In 2001, unearthed possible signs of an American castaway on the island, including the remains of several campfires, items such as a jackknife, a woman’s compact, a zipper pull, and glass jars. In 2017, TIGHAR brought for forensic dogs to the site, who signaled that they had found a spot where someone had died [5].
They didn’t find the bones then, but they’re still hoping. The organization is still optimistic that they’ll find the source of the scent that alerted the dogs, and that they will eventually find the spot where the coconut crabs carried Earhart’s remains all those years ago.
Should You Fear the Coconut Crab?
If you live in North America, you likely will never come face-to-face with a coconut crab. If you ever visit an area with a coconut crab population, however, you do want to be careful.
Coconut crabs don’t usually bother people, but they will if provoked. In general, however, the crabs have more reason to fear us than we do them. It’s possible that Earhart was the only person ever killed by one of these creatures, and yet humans have killed them to near extinction [2].
Of course, if you ever do meet one of these terrifying creatures, you would have every reason to be afraid. They are quite scary-looking, and are likely not worth sticking around for the photo opp.
Sources:


theheartysoul--2020-10-22--Ecosexuals Believe Having Sex with the Earth Could Save It

Sexuality is a spectrum with a wide range of possibilities for each individual .
A newly-coined type of sexuality , however , is one that involves the relationship between a person ’ s sexuality and the environment .
These people identify themselves as ecosexuals , and within that identity is its own spectrum of meanings .
( 1 ) Ecosexuality can mean a variety of things .
It can simply mean people who are passionate about using eco-friendly sex products to people who legitimately have sex with the Earth .
According to sociologist Dr. Jennifer Reed from the University of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at the point where sexology and ecology come together .
( 1 ) How each person chooses to express their ecosexuality is , of course , entirely up to them .
As always with sexuality , ecosexuality is a spectrum .
One of the most common ways you will see ecosexuals expressing themselves is through the use of biodegradable , organic , and sustainable products and sex toys .
( 1 ) This includes ( 1 ) : Advertisement The other end of that spectrum are people who actually have sex with the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ experiences .
( 1 ) For some ecosexuals , simply including the Earth as their lover or as a part of their sexual experiences isn ’ t enough : They want to make a life-long commitment to our planet .
On Earth Day this past April , 25 ecosexuals held a wedding ceremony where they married the Earth .
( 2 ) During the ceremony , they each recited this : The goal is to reverse what has been a one-sided relationship with the Earth , where humans have been continuously been taking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ This marriage promotes the idea that , just as in a marriage with two people , you have to put back in what you take out .
They want to restore balance and love to the Earth .
( 2 ) The ecosexual movement changes the viewpoint of the Earth as our mother and instead to our lover .
This simple shift in thinking changes the way we engage with the environment because making your mother angry versus your partner is two very different things with very different consequences .
( 3 ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ what it means to be an environmentalist .
For many ecosexuals , their goal is to make environmentalism more fun and enticing to others .
They want to encourage people to reconnect with both nature and their bodies , as well as to take a more active role in reversing climate change .
( 3 ) New York-based activist and author of the book Eco-Sex : Go Green Between the Sheets and Make Your Love Life More Sustainable Stefanie Iris Weiss agrees , wanting people to stop polluting their own bodies and the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) While you personally may not identify as an ecosexual , it doesn ’ t mean that you can ’ t love , enjoy , and respect the Earth and our environment .
Looking into alternative sex and menstrual products that are more sustainable and better for our bodies is one simple thing we can all do to make our daily lives more environmentally friendly.Advertisement Keep Reading : The Different Colors of Emoji Hearts Actually Have Different Meanings

Sexuality is a spectrum with a wide range of possibilities for each individual. A newly-coined type of sexuality, however, is one that involves the relationship between a person’s sexuality and the environment. These people identify themselves as ecosexuals, and within that identity is its own spectrum of meanings. (1)
Who Are Ecosexuals?
Ecosexuality can mean a variety of things. It can simply mean people who are passionate about using eco-friendly sex products to people who legitimately have sex with the Earth. According to sociologist Dr. Jennifer Reed from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, ecosexuals are at the point where sexology and ecology come together. (1)
“It is imagining ‘Earth as lover’ rather than ‘Earth as mother.’” she explains.(1)
How each person chooses to express their ecosexuality is, of course, entirely up to them.
Two people at the ecosexual bathhouse conducted by Art Group Pony Express. Image Credit: Matt Sav via Vice
Ways to Express Ecosexuality
As always with sexuality, ecosexuality is a spectrum. One of the most common ways you will see ecosexuals expressing themselves is through the use of biodegradable, organic, and sustainable products and sex toys. (1) This includes (1):
Eco-friendly condoms and lube
All-natural sheets
Environmentally-friendly sex toys
Organic tampons or other sustainable menstrual products
“Using products that don’t cause any harm to the Earth is one way a person may fulfill their attraction.” says New York City P.h.D. and sex therapist Dr. Holly Richmond. (1)
The other end of that spectrum are people who actually have sex with the Earth or include it in their sexual experiences. (1)
“[Ecosexuals] want to protect nature so much and are so enamored with the Earth and how it makes them feel that this is how they express their sexuality,” explains Dr. Richmond. (1)
Married to Mother Earth
For some ecosexuals, simply including the Earth as their lover or as a part of their sexual experiences isn’t enough: They want to make a life-long commitment to our planet. On Earth Day this past April, 25 ecosexuals held a wedding ceremony where they married the Earth. (2)
During the ceremony, they each recited this:
“The Earth is our lover. We are madly, passionately and fiercely in love. … … make love with the Earth through our senses. … We are polymorphous and pollen-amorous. … I promise to love, honor and cherish you, Earth, until death brings us closer together forever.” (2)
The goal is to reverse what has been a one-sided relationship with the Earth, where humans have been continuously been taking without giving anything back in return. This marriage promotes the idea that, just as in a marriage with two people, you have to put back in what you take out. They want to restore balance and love to the Earth. (2)
Read: Could Male Love Robots Replace Men For Good?
Sexuality With a Purpose
The ecosexual movement changes the viewpoint of the Earth as our mother and instead to our lover. This simple shift in thinking changes the way we engage with the environment because making your mother angry versus your partner is two very different things with very different consequences. (3)
“If you piss off your mother, she’s probably going to forgive you. If you treat your lover badly, she’s going to break up with you.” explains Amanda Morgan, a faculty member at the UNLV School of Community Health Sciences who is involved in the ecosexual movement. (3)
Furthermore, the ecosexuality movement is changing what it means to be an environmentalist.
“This ecosexual trend is engaging a new population of people that hadn’t been in the environmental movement. There’s an intersection with the queer, gay, lesbian community, feminism community, drag queens, former sex workers,” Says Dr. Reed. “These are not the people that would go to a board meeting for the Sierra Club.” (3)
For many ecosexuals, their goal is to make environmentalism more fun and enticing to others. They want to encourage people to reconnect with both nature and their bodies, as well as to take a more active role in reversing climate change. (3)
New York-based activist and author of the book Eco-Sex: Go Green Between the Sheets and Make Your Love Life More Sustainable Stefanie Iris Weiss agrees, wanting people to stop polluting their own bodies and the Earth when having sex. (3)
“If you’re running from floods, you won’t have any time for sex.” She reminds us. (3)
The Bottom Line
While you personally may not identify as an ecosexual, it doesn’t mean that you can’t love, enjoy, and respect the Earth and our environment. Looking into alternative sex and menstrual products that are more sustainable and better for our bodies is one simple thing we can all do to make our daily lives more environmentally friendly.
Keep Reading: I’m Demisexual. Here’s What I Want You To Know.
Sources


theheartysoul--2020-10-25--What You Need To Know About Tonsil Stones

If you ’ ve never had problems with your tonsils , you ’ ve likely not given them much thought .
For some , however , their tonsils can be the bane of their existence .
One of the most common issues people experience with their tonsils is tonsil stones .
If you ’ ve ever noticed yellowish-white spots at the back of your throat , you ’ ve had tonsil stones .
For some , they are not much of a problem at all , but for others , they can be very uncomfortable .
Tonsil stones are hard @ @ @ @ @ @ @ your tonsils .
They are also called tonsilloths , or tonsilliths [ 1 ] .
Your tonsils are the small fleshy pads of tissue at the back of both sides of your mouth.They produce white blood cells and antibodies that help detect and filter bacteria and viruses that enter through your mouth.Advertisement Typically , these stones are about the size of gravel , though sometimes they are so small that you can ’ t see them with the naked eye .
In this case , you likely won ’ t even notice that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , they do not pose a serious health risk , and you can usually remove them quite easily [ 1 ] .
Read : ‘ Mask mouth ’ is a seriously stinky side effect of wearing masks What Causes Them ?
Your tonsils are covered in the same mucous membrane that covers the rest of your mouth , nose , and throat .
It is the crevices in your tonsils , however , that can lead to problems [ 2 ] .
If the pits or craters in your tonsils are deep enough @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , bacteria , saliva or mucus .
As these substances get pressed into the craters , tonsil stones can develop .
Your body ’ s white blood cells then attack these foreign objects .
Once they are done , hard particles can remain on the tonsils .
In most cases , you will simply swallow those particles and never know what had happened .
If they get stuck , however , they continue to grow and you end up with tonsil stones [ 3 ] .
What are the Symptoms of Tonsil Stones @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bacteria that collect on them • White or yellow debris on the tonsil [ 2 ] Anyone who has lots of crevices , or crypts , on their tonsils will be more likely to develop stones .
While they are more common in teenagers , people of any age can get them .
How do Prevent and Treat Tonsil Stones ?
The best way to prevent tonsil stones is to keep your tonsils free of debris .
To do this , you should brush your teeth and tongue regularly and thoroughly .
Gargling @ @ @ @ @ @ @ help prevent the buildup of particles or bacteria.Advertisement Some people self-treat their stones at home , particularly those who are relatively prone to them .
To do this , they simply remove the stones gently with a toothbrush or a cotton swab .
If you are able to remove them easily , they shouldn ’ t cause any problems .
If you have recurring tonsils stones that cause you a lot of discomfort , a tonsillectomy ( having your tonsils removed ) may be your best option .
While this is a fairly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ involved , since it still is a surgery .
Talk to your doctor about your options to determine if removing your tonsils is the best option for you [ 2 ] .
Whether you struggle with tonsil stones or not , good oral hygiene is still very important .
Allowing bacteria and germs to build up in your teeth , gums , and mouth can lead to larger health issues down the road .
Always ensure that you are brushing your teeth twice per day , and visiting your dentist for regular cleanings @ @ @ @ @ @ @ do arise , you can catch them early and take care of them right away .
Keep Reading : 7 Things Your Tongue Is Trying to Tell You About Your Health

If you’ve never had problems with your tonsils, you’ve likely not given them much thought. For some, however, their tonsils can be the bane of their existence. One of the most common issues people experience with their tonsils is tonsil stones.
If you’ve ever noticed yellowish-white spots at the back of your throat, you’ve had tonsil stones. For some, they are not much of a problem at all, but for others, they can be very uncomfortable.
What Are Tonsil Stones?
Tonsil stones are hard white or yellow formations that form on your tonsils. They are also called tonsilloliths, or tonsilliths [1]. Your tonsils are the small fleshy pads of tissue at the back of both sides of your mouth. They produce white blood cells and antibodies that help detect and filter bacteria and viruses that enter through your mouth.
Typically, these stones are about the size of gravel, though sometimes they are so small that you can’t see them with the naked eye. In this case, you likely won’t even notice that they’re there. In general, they do not pose a serious health risk, and you can usually remove them quite easily [1].
What Causes Them?
Your tonsils are covered in the same mucous membrane that covers the rest of your mouth, nose, and throat. It is the crevices in your tonsils, however, that can lead to problems [2]. If the pits or craters in your tonsils are deep enough, they can sometimes catch food particles, bacteria, saliva, or mucus. As these substances get pressed into the craters, tonsil stones can develop.
Your body’s white blood cells then attack these foreign objects. Once they are done, hard particles can remain on the tonsils. In most cases, you will simply swallow those particles and never know what had happened. If they get stuck, however, they continue to grow and you end up with tonsil stones [3].
Possible causes include:
poor dental hygiene
large tonsils
chronic sinus issues
chronic tonsillitis (inflamed tonsils) [4]
Read: Goodbye Dental Implants? Dentist Grew New Teeth in Just 9 Weeks
What are the Symptoms of Tonsil Stones?
Common signs and symptoms of tonsil stones include:
Tonsil redness and irritation
Bad breath due to the bacteria that collect on them
Sore throat
Trouble swallowing
Ear pain
Ongoing cough
Swollen tonsils
White or yellow debris on the tonsil [2]
Anyone who has lots of crevices, or crypts, on their tonsils will be more likely to develop stones. While they are more common in teenagers, people of any age can get them.
How do Prevent and Treat Tonsil Stones?
The best way to prevent tonsil stones is to keep your tonsils free of debris. To do this, you should brush your teeth and tongue regularly and thoroughly. Gargling with salt water after eating can also help prevent the buildup of particles or bacteria.
Some people self-treat their stones at home, particularly those who are relatively prone to them. To do this, they simply remove the stones gently with a toothbrush or a cotton swab. If you are able to remove them easily, they shouldn’t cause any problems.
If you have recurring tonsils stones that cause you a lot of discomfort, a tonsillectomy (having your tonsils removed) may be your best option. While this is a fairly rudimentary procedure, there are still risks involved, since it still is a surgery. Talk to your doctor about your options to determine if removing your tonsils is the best option for you [2].
Practice Good Oral Hygiene
Whether you struggle with tonsil stones or not, good oral hygiene is still very important. Allowing bacteria and germs to build up in your teeth, gums, and mouth can lead to larger health issues down the road.
Always ensure that you are brushing your teeth twice per day, and visiting your dentist for regular cleanings. This way, if any problems do arise, you can catch them early and take care of them right away.
Keep Reading: An 82-year-old engineer made a machine that can turn air into drinking water
Sources


theheartysoul--2020-10-25--Ice Melt in Alaska Threatens to Unleash Unprecedented ‘Mega-Tsunami’, Scientists Warn

Another mega-tsunami is brewing in Alaska , and it could happen sooner than we think .
Scientists warn that this catastrophic event could occur in the next two decades – and even within the next 12 months .
( 1 ) A landslide of rock has been left unstable because of glacier melting in Prince William Sound , Alaska .
Scientists are warning that this landslide could suddenly give way , causing a mega-tsunami bigger than we ’ ve ever seen before .
( 1 ) The group wrote an open letter to the Alaska Department of Natural Resources ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of this impending event .
In their letter , they made it quite clear that while many of the details about how and when this event will take place are still unknown , one thing is for sure : It will happen , and we need to be prepared .
( 1 ) The Cause of the Mega Tsunami This unstable mountain slope is located 60 miles east of Anchorage , sitting right above the bottom tip of Barry Glacier in Barry Arm .
As climate change continues to cause the melting of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ potential to fail and collapse suddenly into Barry Arm .
( 1 ) This sudden drop will generate a mega-tsunami that could potentially threaten the lives of hundreds of people all at once .
( 1 ) These people include ( 1 ) : This area , while remote , is frequented by fishing boats and Alaskan cruise ships .
( 2 ) The reason for their urgency is because this is not the first time something like this has happened .
( 1 ) In October 2015 , a slow-moving landslide in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , failed suddenly and caused a mega-tsunami .
This tsunami reached 633 feet in elevation near the landslide and 35 feet in elevation 15 miles away .
( 1 ) In June 2017 at Karrat Fjord in West Greenland , a landslide produced a similar tsunami .
It destroyed a large portion of the town of Nuugaatsiaq 20 miles away and killed four people .
Over three years later and the villagers still can ’ t return because of a nearby slope that is also threatening to fail .
( 1 ) According @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Barry Arm is much larger than both of those and will cause a devastating impact in Prince William Sound .
( 1 ) Read : Earth ’ s Ozone Layer Is Healing , Bringing Some Good News on Global Wind Movement What Causes Slopes to Become Unstable There are several reasons why slow-moving landslides can change suddenly and fail without much warning .
They are often preceded by rockfalls and other signs of instability .
( 1 ) These triggers include ( 1 ) : • Hot weather causing the melting of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The scientists have preliminary results to show the potential spread of the Tsunami , saying that they will need to complete further analysis to make more accurate estimates .
( 1 ) • The most severe effects will be where the landslide hits the water at the top of Barry Arm ( the bottom of Barry Glacier ) .
• Areas further away from the source of shallow water and low-lying land near the shore are in danger .
• Impacts from a minor failure will be contained primarily in the inner parts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ failure happen , impacts will be felt throughout : • Initial results show over 30-foot waves further from the landslide and some distant bays , including in Whittier .
Scientists Need Our Help The group of researchers is asking locals , tourists , and the ADNR to help them gather information .
( 1 ) They would like to know ( 1 ) : • What specific questions are most important to them ?
• What things are needed to protect the people in Barry Arm and the surrounding area ?
• Photos @ @ @ @ @ @ @ seen in Barry Arm .
This includes small rockfalls and landslides .
If you live in or are visiting the area and have either questions or potentially helpful information , it is important to share with local officials and the ADNR .
( 1 ) What They ’ re Doing Now Currently , the scientists are working with the ADNR and the Division of Geological and Geophysical Survey ( DGGS ) .
They have also reached out to the US Geological Survey asking for help to begin monitoring the situation closely as soon @ @ @ @ @ @ @ goal is to make it so that the National Tsunami Warning Center ( NTWC ) can monitor the landslide .
Currently , they only have systems in place to monitor earthquake-generated tsunamis only .
( 1 ) So far this project is funded and run by volunteers and other supporting groups .
Two of these groups are the Alaska Climate Adaptation Science Center and NASA .
( 1 ) Keep Reading : Japan reportedly will dump Fukushima ’ s contaminated water into sea

Another mega-tsunami is brewing in Alaska, and it could happen sooner than we think. Scientists warn that this catastrophic event could occur in the next two decades – and even within the next 12 months. (1)
Alaskan Ice Melt To Cause a Mega Tsunami
A landslide of rock has been left unstable because of glacier melting in Prince William Sound, Alaska. Scientists are warning that this landslide could suddenly give way, causing a mega-tsunami bigger than we’ve ever seen before. (1)
The group wrote an open letter to the Alaska Department of Natural Resources (ADNR) in May outlining the details of this impending event. In their letter, they made it quite clear that while many of the details about how and when this event will take place are still unknown, one thing is for sure: It will happen, and we need to be prepared. (1)
The Cause of the Mega Tsunami
This unstable mountain slope is located 60 miles east of Anchorage, sitting right above the bottom tip of Barry Glacier in Barry Arm. As climate change continues to cause the melting of permafrost, this slope has a high potential to fail and collapse suddenly into Barry Arm. (1)
“When the climate changes, the landscape takes time to adjust,” said geologist and letter co-author Bretwood Higman. “If a glacier retreats really quickly it can catch the surrounding slopes by surprise – they might fail catastrophically instead of gradually adjusting.” (2)
This sudden drop will generate a mega-tsunami that could potentially threaten the lives of hundreds of people all at once. (1) These people include (1):
Tourists
Fishing vessels
Hunters
This area, while remote, is frequented by fishing boats and Alaskan cruise ships. (2)
They Speak from Experience
The reason for their urgency is because this is not the first time something like this has happened. (1)
In October 2015, a slow-moving landslide in Taan Fiord in Icy Bay, Alaska, failed suddenly and caused a mega-tsunami. This tsunami reached 633 feet in elevation near the landslide and 35 feet in elevation 15 miles away. (1)
In June 2017 at Karrat Fjord in West Greenland, a landslide produced a similar tsunami. It destroyed a large portion of the town of Nuugaatsiaq 20 miles away and killed four people. Over three years later and the villagers still can’t return because of a nearby slope that is also threatening to fail. (1)
According to the scientists, the unstable slope in Barry Arm is much larger than both of those and will cause a devastating impact in Prince William Sound. (1)
What Causes Slopes to Become Unstable
There are several reasons why slow-moving landslides can change suddenly and fail without much warning. They are often preceded by rockfalls and other signs of instability. (1) These triggers include (1):
Heavy or prolonged rain
Earthquakes
Hot weather causing the melting of permafrost, snow, or glacier ice
The scientists have preliminary results to show the potential spread of the Tsunami, saying that they will need to complete further analysis to make more accurate estimates. (1)
They predict (1):
The most severe effects will be where the landslide hits the water at the top of Barry Arm (the bottom of Barry Glacier).
Areas further away from the source of shallow water and low-lying land near the shore are in danger.
Impacts from a minor failure will be contained primarily in the inner parts of the fiord. Should a complete failure happen, impacts will be felt throughout: Barry Arm Harriman Fiord Parts of Port Wells
Initial results show over 30-foot waves further from the landslide and some distant bays, including in Whittier.
Scientists Need Our Help
The group of researchers is asking locals, tourists, and the ADNR to help them gather information. (1) They would like to know (1):
What specific questions are most important to them?
What things are needed to protect the people in Barry Arm and the surrounding area?
Photos and other documentation of what they have seen in Barry Arm. This includes small rockfalls and landslides.
If you live in or are visiting the area and have either questions or potentially helpful information, it is important to share with local officials and the ADNR. (1)
What They’re Doing Now
Currently, the scientists are working with the ADNR and the Division of Geological and Geophysical Survey (DGGS). They have also reached out to the US Geological Survey asking for help to begin monitoring the situation closely as soon as possible. (1)
Their goal is to make it so that the National Tsunami Warning Center (NTWC) can monitor the landslide. Currently, they only have systems in place to monitor earthquake-generated tsunamis only. (1)
So far this project is funded and run by volunteers and other supporting groups. Two of these groups are the Alaska Climate Adaptation Science Center and NASA. (1)
Keep Reading: Japan reportedly will dump Fukushima’s contaminated water into sea