theheartysoul--2020-10-07--A juice company dumped orange peels in a national park. Here’s what it looks like now.

What do you usually do with the peel after you eat an orange ?
If you ’ re like most of us , you simply throw it away .
But have you ever considered that that humble piece of kitchen scraps might actually play a role in reviving ecosystems ?
More than twenty years ago , two ecologists decided to perform an experiment .
They dumped a bunch of orange peels onto a plot of land and left them .
Over two decades have now passed , and that land is now unrecognizable .
In 1997 , ecologists Daniel Janzen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ juice company in Costa Rica .
The company donated a portion of land to Área de Conservación Guanacaste , a nature preserve in the northwest of the country .
In exchange , the park would allow the company to dump the orange peels and pulp it wasn ’ t using onto a heavily grazed , forested area nearby , free of charge .
In 1998 , one thousand trucks dumped over twelve thousand metric tonnes of orange compost onto the plot .
They erected a sign on the plot to ensure future researchers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ left it.Advertisement Unfortunately , a rival juice manufacturer sued the company involved in the study for “ defiling a national park ” .
This forced the experiment to end , and the site was mostly forgotten about [ 1 ] .
Sixteen years later , Janzen sent one of his graduate students , Timothy Treuer , to look for the site .
Treuer found it , but couldn ’ t find the sign .
Initially , Treuer didn ’ t even know if he was in the right place .
Why ?
Because @ @ @ @ @ @ @ what it was sixteen years prior .
Compared to the plot of land next to it , which was mostly barren , the area with the compost was so thick with vegetation that he couldn ’ t find the sign .
Truer and a team of researchers continued to study the area for the next three years .
They measured various qualities of the site against the adjacent pastureland .
That land had predominantly one type of tree .
The site of the dumped orange peels had two dozen different species of vegetation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ richer soil , and a better-developed canopy .
Jon Choi , co-author of the study , described a fig tree that had grown that was three feet in diameter .
How did orange peels have such a dramatic effect on this plot of land ?
Despite this , the researchers are hoping that the success of this project will encourage other , similar conservation projects .
This experiment showed the orange peels were beneficial for two main reasons : 1 .
They use up waste There are nearly endless amounts of nutrient-rich food @ @ @ @ @ @ @ United States alone , approximately sixty million tonnes of produce ends up in landfills every year .
That ’ s almost half of all US produce [ 3 ] .
This experiment demonstrates the immense potential of that waste .
2 .
They remove carbon dioxide from the air This forest is an example of a secondary tropical forest .
That means that it grew after the original forest was torn down .
Research shows that secondary forests sequester eleven times more atmospheric carbon than old forests .
This makes them essential at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ] .
Treuer says that the next step is to examine whether other ecosystems , such as dry forests or tropical savannas , will react in the same way to similar deposits .
As for that sign , they did finally find it .
After several visits to the site , Treuer , along with paper ’ s senior author , David Wilcove , and Princeton Professor Rob Pringle , found it under a thicket of vines .
Keep Reading : Storm Francis Reveals an Ancient Underground Forest That Was Hidden for Thousands @ @

What do you usually do with the peel after you eat an orange? If you’re like most of us, you simply throw it away. But have you ever considered that that humble piece of kitchen scraps might actually play a role in reviving ecosystems? More than twenty years ago, two ecologists decided to perform an experiment. They dumped a bunch of orange peels onto a plot of land and left them. Over two decades have now passed, and that land is now unrecognizable.
Dumped Orange Peels
In 1997, ecologists Daniel Janzen and Winnie Hallwachs partnered with an orange juice company in Costa Rica. The company donated a portion of land to Área de Conservación Guanacaste, a nature preserve in the northwest of the country.
In exchange, the park would allow the company to dump the orange peels and pulp it wasn’t using onto a heavily grazed, forested area nearby, free of charge.
In 1998, one thousand trucks dumped over twelve thousand metric tonnes of orange compost onto the plot. They erected a sign on the plot to ensure future researchers could locate the area, and then left it. Unfortunately, a rival juice manufacturer sued the company involved in the study for “defiling a national park”. This forced the experiment to end, and the site was mostly forgotten about [1].
Sixteen Years Later
Sixteen years later, Janzen sent one of his graduate students, Timothy Treuer, to look for the site. Treuer found it, but couldn’t find the sign. Initially, Treuer didn’t even know if he was in the right place. Why? Because the land was so drastically different than what it was sixteen years prior. Compared to the plot of land next to it, which was mostly barren, the area with the compost was so thick with vegetation that he couldn’t find the sign.
“It was just hard to believe that the only difference between the two areas was a bunch of orange peels. They look like completely different ecosystems,” he explained [2].
Image Credit: Daniel Janzen & Winnie Hallwachs
Truer and a team of researchers continued to study the area for the next three years. They measured various qualities of the site against the adjacent pastureland. That land had predominantly one type of tree. The site of the dumped orange peels had two dozen different species of vegetation.
The site had greater biodiversity, richer soil, and a better-developed canopy. Jon Choi, the co-author of the study, described a fig tree that had grown that was three feet in diameter.
“You could have had 20 people climbing in that tree at once and it would have supported the weight no problem,” he said. “That thing was massive.” [2]
Image Credit: Daniel Janzen & Winnie Hallwachs
Read: IKEA Released Free Design For Garden Sphere That Feeds a Neighborhood
Combat Climate Change with Dumped Orange Peels?
How did orange peels have such a dramatic effect on this plot of land?
“That’s the million dollar question that we don’t yet have the answer to,” Treuer admitted. “I strongly suspect that it was some synergy between suppression of the invasive grass and rejuvenation of heavily degraded soils.” [1]
Despite this, the researchers are hoping that the success of this project will encourage other, similar conservation projects. The findings were reported in The Journal of the Society of Ecological Restoration (5).
This experiment showed the orange peels were beneficial for two main reasons:
1. They use up waste
There are nearly endless amounts of nutrient-rich food waste in the world. In the United States alone, approximately sixty million tonnes of produce ends up in landfills every year. That’s almost half of all US produce [3].
This experiment demonstrates the immense potential of that waste.
“We don’t want companies to go out there will-nilly just dumping their waste all over the place, but if it’s scientifically driven and restorationists are involved in addition to companies, this is something I think has really high potential,” Truer said [2].
2. They remove carbon dioxide from the air
This forest is an example of a secondary tropical forest. That means that it grew after the original forest was torn down. Research shows that secondary forests sequester eleven times more atmospheric carbon than old forests. This makes them essential at helping to slow climate change [4].
Read: Four Solar-Powered River Barges Are Cleaning Up The World’s Most Polluted Rivers
Next Steps
Treuer says that the next step is to examine whether other ecosystems, such as dry forests or tropical savannas, will react in the same way to similar deposits.
“It’s a shame where we live in a world with nutrient-limited degraded ecosystems and also nutrient-rich waste streams. We’d like to see those things come together a little bit,” said Treuer [1].
As for that sign, they did finally find it. After several visits to the site, Treuer, along with paper’s senior author, David Wilcove, and Princeton Professor Rob Pringle, found it under a thicket of vines.
“It’s a big honking sign,” said Choi [2].
Keep Reading: The Guys Who Sell Ocean Plastic Bracelets Are Closing in on 17 Million Pounds of Waste Pulled From the Sea
Sources


theheartysoul--2020-10-07--What is the Mysterious ‘Global Hum’?

What is the Mysterious ‘Global Hum’?

The mysterious “ global hum ” has baffled scientists for years .
Approximately four percent of people hear this consistent , low-pitched noise , but experts have struggled to determine the source .
Simon Payne of Cambridgeshire in the UK is one of the unlucky ones who can hear the hum .
Scientists have suggested many theories , but have not proven any of them- until now .
It turns out , this elusive “ global hum ” has been coming from a volcano .
What is the “ Global Hum ” ?
People who can hear this low-pitched humming @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and dizziness because of it .
Advertisement A 2004 investigation by geoscientist David Deming revealed that people have been complaining about this humming sound since the 1970s .
Deming , who is a hearer himself , was unable to find a source for the sound .
His is one of the few formal studies that exist .
His report states that the hum has predominantly affected the United Kingdom , but reports of the sound in the US date back to the 1990s .
The two most publicised locations have been Taos , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ [ 2 ] .
The mysterious nature of the sound , not surprisingly , attracted many conspiracy theorists and alien fanatics .
This caused many mainstream scientists to stay away from it entirely .
In 2012 , however , science teacher and former university lecturer , Glen MacPherson , heard the hum himself .
He then decided to pick up where Deming left off , and try to find the source of the noise .
MacPherson created an interactive map that includes thousands of hearer ’ s descriptions of what they heard and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a global team of volunteers to investigate what could be causing the hum in various countries .
MacPherson set out to test the following four hypotheses : Sounds resulting from volcanoes , for example , can travel unbelievable distances .
These sounds can sometimes circle the Earth multiple times .
Elizabeth Silber , a Canadian physicist and planetary scientist who investigated reports of a hum in Windsor , Canada , wasn ’ t too sure .
A large proportion of hearers live in urban areas .
This makes it possible , then , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of urban noise pollution .
Deming ’ s work , however , ruled out this option .
Most of his evidence suggested that the hum was not an acoustic sound .
Deming thought that very low-frequency radio signals could be causing the global hum .
Those signals are used around the world to communicate with submarines .
Radio signals can cause a “ microwave auditory effect ” .
This is when radiant energy interacts with soft tissue in the skull and stimulates the auditory nerve .
MacPherson tested Deming ’ s theory by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ those frequencies , but the hum only grew louder .
MacPherson believes it is possible that there is some neurological element to the hum .
This is because when you put multiple hum-hearers in the same room together , they will all match the hum to different acoustic frequencies .
MacPherson has not yet been able to determine the source of this internal perception of sound .
Earlier this year , scientists finally solved the mystery .
The culprit ?
A volcano .
New findings revealed that the rumblings of a magma-filled reservoir @ @ @ @ @ @ @ seismic hums that some people could hear around the world .
A few months later , an underwater volcano was born off the coast of the island of Mayotte , between Madagascar and Mozambique .
In May 2018 , earthquake-monitoring agencies from around the world detected thousands of earthquakes near Mayotte .
Later that November , seismologists recorded seismic hums that lasted up to forty minutes .
According to Simone Cesca , a seismologist at the GFZ German Research Centre for Geosciences in Potsdam , Germany , the researchers found more than four @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in 2019 , French oceanographers found that a new volcano had been born .
This volcano was massive , measuring 3.1 miles ( 5 kilometers ) long and nearly a half a mile ( 0.8 kilometers ) tall .
Other researchers suggest that the global hums are from not just the volcano alone , but from a shrinking magma chamber .
This is evidenced by the fact that Mayotte has sunk and moved several inches since the earthquakes began .
The researchers describe two stages that caused the volcano , and subsequently , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reservoir flowed up diagonally until it reached the sea floor , causing an eruption below the ocean .
• The path this created allowed magma to travel out of the reservoir to the sea floor , where it built the volcano .
This caused the area above the reservoir to weaken and sag , creating small faults and fractures .
When earthquakes shook the area above the reservoir , Cesca said they caused “ the resonance of the deep reservoir and generate [ d ] the peculiar , very long period signals , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ seems that MacPherson was onto something with his first theory- that the hum was from a natural source .
While finally knowing where the hum is coming from may be satisfying , it doesn ’ t necessarily provide relief to those who hear it .
Helping those individuals may be the next puzzle to solve .
Keep Reading : 11 natural phenomenons caught on camera that you won ’ t believe aren ’ t photoshopped

The mysterious “global hum” has baffled scientists for years. Approximately four percent of people hear this consistent, low-pitched noise, but experts have struggled to determine the source.
Simon Payne of Cambridgeshire in the UK is one of the unlucky ones who can hear the hum.
“I have been desperate to get away from it, so I have stayed with friends – and even moved house,” he said [1].
Scientists have suggested many theories, but have not proven any of them- until now. It turns out, this elusive “global hum” has been coming from a volcano.
What is the “Global Hum”?
People who can hear this low-pitched humming sound report experiencing insomnia, headaches, and dizziness because of it.
A 2004 investigation by geoscientist David Deming revealed that people have been complaining about this humming sound since the 1970s. Deming, who is a hearer himself, was unable to find a source for the sound. His is one of the few formal studies that exist.
His report states that the hum has predominantly affected the United Kingdom, but reports of the sound in the US date back to the 1990s. The two most publicised locations have been Taos, New Mexico, and Kokomo, Indiana [2].
The mysterious nature of the sound, not surprisingly, attracted many conspiracy theorists and alien fanatics. This caused many mainstream scientists to stay away from it entirely.
In 2012, however, science teacher and former university lecturer, Glen MacPherson, heard the hum himself. He then decided to pick up where Deming left off, and try to find the source of the noise.
MacPherson created an interactive map that includes thousands of hearer’s descriptions of what they heard and where they were. He then recruited a global team of volunteers to investigate what could be causing the hum in various countries.
Read: Stunning Iridescent Clouds Snapped Above Skies of Siberia’s Belukha Mountain
MacPheron’s Hypotheses
MacPherson set out to test the following four hypotheses:
1. Natural sources of sonic phenomena
Sounds resulting from volcanoes, for example, can travel unbelievable distances. These sounds can sometimes circle the Earth multiple times. Elizabeth Silber, a Canadian physicist and planetary scientist who investigated reports of a hum in Windsor, Canada, wasn’t too sure.
“There are many natural sources … such as aurorae, lightning, meteors, volcanoes, waterfalls and ocean waves. Yet none of these seem to be consistent with the manifestation of the Hum.” [1]
2. Urban noise pollution
A large proportion of hearers live in urban areas. This makes it possible, then, that the hum is simply some form of urban noise pollution. Deming’s work, however, ruled out this option. Most of his evidence suggested that the hum was not an acoustic sound.
“This is indicated by the simple fact that most people do not hear it,” he said [1].
3. Low-frequency radio signals
Deming thought that very low-frequency radio signals could be causing the global hum. Those signals are used around the world to communicate with submarines. Radio signals can cause a “microwave auditory effect”. This is when radiant energy interacts with soft tissue in the skull and stimulates the auditory nerve.
MacPherson tested Deming’s theory by building a black box to block out those frequencies, but the hum only grew louder.
4. No external source
MacPherson believes it is possible that there is some neurological element to the hum. This is because when you put multiple hum-hearers in the same room together, they will all match the hum to different acoustic frequencies.
“That never, ever happens with standard acoustic sources, of any frequency. It just simply never happens,” he said [1].
MacPherson has not yet been able to determine the source of this internal perception of sound.
Read: NASA Is Tracking a Vast, Growing Anomaly in Earth’s Magnetic Field
The Global Hum: An Answer
Earlier this year, scientists finally solved the mystery. The culprit? A volcano.
New findings revealed that the rumblings of a magma-filled reservoir deep under the Indian Ocean were causing seismic hums that some people could hear around the world. A few months later, an underwater volcano was born off the coast of the island of Mayotte, between Madagascar and Mozambique.
In May 2018, earthquake-monitoring agencies from around the world detected thousands of earthquakes near Mayotte. Later that November, seismologists recorded seismic hums that lasted up to forty minutes.
According to Simone Cesca, a seismologist at the GFZ German Research Centre for Geosciences in Potsdam, Germany, the researchers found more than four hundred of these signals.
A New Volcano is Born
Finally, in 2019, French oceanographers found that a new volcano had been born. This volcano was massive, measuring 3.1 miles (5 kilometers) long and nearly a half a mile (0.8 kilometers) tall.
Other researchers suggest that the global hums are from not just the volcano alone, but from a shrinking magma chamber. This is evidenced by the fact that Mayotte has sunk and moved several inches since the earthquakes began.
The researchers describe two stages that caused the volcano, and subsequently, the hum:
Magma from a reservoir flowed up diagonally until it reached the sea floor, causing an eruption below the ocean. The path this created allowed magma to travel out of the reservoir to the sea floor, where it built the volcano. This caused the area above the reservoir to weaken and sag, creating small faults and fractures. When earthquakes shook the area above the reservoir, Cesca said they caused “the resonance of the deep reservoir and generate[d] the peculiar, very long period signals,” [3].
So it seems that MacPherson was onto something with his first theory- that the hum was from a natural source. While finally knowing where the hum is coming from may be satisfying, it doesn’t necessarily provide relief to those who hear it. Helping those individuals may be the next puzzle to solve.
Keep Reading: 11 natural phenomenons caught on camera that you won’t believe aren’t photoshopped


theheartysoul--2020-10-08--Hand-Built And Off-Grid Ready Incredible Tiny House Boat

Tiny homes are all the rage this year , however , this one takes the idea of off-grid , minimalist living to a whole new level .
Check out this incredible tiny houseboat , fully outfitted for life on the water .
Richard from Daigno , Quebec , Canada has hand-built himself a tiny houseboat that is a fully functional off-grid living space .
The 28 feet long by 8.5 feet wide home is made entirely of light-weight cedar and weighs 6,000 pounds .
( 1 ) The indoors portion of the house includes ( 1 ) : • Dinette @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bed Outdoors , the tiny house boat also has a massive deck that includes ( 1 ) : AdvertisementAdvertisement • A hammock that hangs over the water The model is called the Karoc V , which is a new-and-improved model of the first version that Richard built .
The boat itself floats on three 25-inch diameter aluminum pontoons .
How does a house boat such as this one get around ?
With a 140 horsepower engine .
( 1 ) The Karoc V tiny houseboat functions completely off of the grid and is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ There is a pump that pulls water up from the lake for showering along with a 15-gallon freshwater tank for drinking .
( 1 ) Other features of the boat include ( 1 ) : • Carbon filter for grey water ( this cleans the water before putting it back into the lake ) • Two roof fans and multiple doors and windows for air circulation The kitchen contains a two-burner propane stovetop , a small sink , and a bar-sized fridge .
Despite the small size of the cabin , Richard built @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 1 ) Love is in the Details The most evident part of the build is how much care and attention to detail was put into it .
Nearly all the edges of tables countertops and other parts have been rounded rather than straight .
This is so that when the boat is in motion if you happen to lose your balance and bump into something , you won ’ t be bumping into sharp corners .
( 1 ) In the tiny bathroom , there is a curtain that wraps around so water @ @ @ @ @ @ @ toilet or the sink .
The shower drain goes right through the floor .
( 1 ) It is clear that for Richard , no detail is too small when it comes to building a cozy , high-functioning off-grid tiny house boat .
Would you live in a tiny house boat like this ?
Keep Reading : How one couple built a 300-square-foot expandable tiny house on just $ 25,000 using scraps from a film set and the town dump

Tiny homes are all the rage this year, however, this one takes the idea of off-grid, minimalist living to a whole new level. Check out this incredible tiny houseboat, fully outfitted for life on the water.
Off-Grid Tiny House Boat
Richard from Daigno, Quebec, Canada has hand-built himself a tiny houseboat that is a fully functional off-grid living space. The 28 feet long by 8.5 feet wide home is made entirely of light-weight cedar and weighs 6,000 pounds. (1)
The indoors portion of the house includes (1):
Kitchen
Bathroom
Dining table
Dinette with sofas that converts into a queen-sizes bed
Outdoors, the tiny house boat also has a massive deck that includes (1):
Sofas
Dinette
A hammock that hangs over the water
Bimini for shade
The model is called the Karoc V, which is a new-and-improved model of the first version that Richard built. The boat itself floats on three 25-inch diameter aluminum pontoons. How does a house boat such as this one get around? With a 140 horsepower engine. (1)
The Off-Grid Lifestyle
The Karoc V tiny houseboat functions completely off of the grid and is powered by solar panels and batteries. There is a pump that pulls water up from the lake for showering along with a 15-gallon freshwater tank for drinking. (1)
Other features of the boat include (1):
Composting toilet
Carbon filter for grey water (this cleans the water before putting it back into the lake)
Propane heater
Two roof fans and multiple doors and windows for air circulation
The kitchen contains a two-burner propane stovetop, a small sink, and a bar-sized fridge. Despite the small size of the cabin, Richard built in plenty of storage space. (1)
Love is in the Details
The most evident part of the build is how much care and attention to detail was put into it. Nearly all the edges of tables countertops and other parts have been rounded rather than straight. This is so that when the boat is in motion if you happen to lose your balance and bump into something, you won’t be bumping into sharp corners. (1)
In the tiny bathroom, there is a curtain that wraps around so water won’t get all over the toilet or the sink. The shower drain goes right through the floor. (1)
It is clear that for Richard, no detail is too small when it comes to building a cozy, high-functioning off-grid tiny house boat.
Would you live in a tiny house boat like this?
Keep Reading: How one couple built a 300-square-foot expandable tiny house on just $25,000 using scraps from a film set and the town dump


theheartysoul--2020-10-08--Families Buy 97 Acres of Land in Georgia to Build Freedom Town

The police shootings of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor , and the shooting death of Ahmaud Aubery , turned the world ’ s attention to one important realization : Black Americans don ’ t feel safe walking the streets of their own neighbourhoods .
As the ensuing unrest began rippling across the nation , two women decided they ’ d had enough .
If they don ’ t feel safe in their current communities , why don ’ t they build a new one of their own ?
This new town will be named Freedom , Georgia , and will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ color and those who support them .
Real estate agent Ashley Scott and investor and entrepreneur Renee Walters are the masterminds behind the new community .
Along with nineteen other African American families , they have purchased a 97-acre plot of land in Wilkinson County , Georgia .
This will be the site of their black cooperative town , Freedom .
The purpose of the town is to create a safe space for people of color , particularly black families , who do not feel safe in their own towns and cities .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ create a space where they can address their own issues and concerns.AdvertisementAdvertisement Both women have black husbands and black sons .
They described how they had started to feel overwhelmed and anxious any time these men would leave the house .
Walters saw a post that was going viral , which said that the town of Toomsboro was up for sale .
She thought , why not purchase the town and start their own black city ?
Upon further inspection , however , Walters determined that the town was not , in fact @ @ @ @ @ @ @ found acreage for sale just outside of Toomsboro in Wilkinson County .
The two women then decided that instead of purchasing a town , they ’ d build their own .
Scott and Walters created the Freedom Georgia Initiative to raise funds for the town .
While building a new city can take decades , they believe the outpouring of support they have received will allow them to move much quicker .
Freedom , Georgia , will not be exclusive to black people .
A cooperative is when a group of people combines @ @ @ @ @ @ @ groups have formed cooperatives throughout the history of the United States , particularly Black Americans .
Jessica Gordon Nembhard is the author of Collective Courage : A History of African American Cooperative Economic Thought and Practice and a professor of community justice at John Jay College .
She says that Black Americans have a very long history of cooperative economics and creating their own communal towns .
Hobson City , Alabama , was founded in 1989 and was the state ’ s first all-Black city .
Black Americans created the city after they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mound Bayou , one of the earliest all-Black municipalities , was found by former slaves after the Civil War .
Scott and Walters hope that their ’ s will be the next .
The plan is to develop the community in phases .
First , they will clear the land , farm , and create a lake for sustainable fishing .
As of now , there are nineteen families who are a part of the project .
Their goal is to eventually expand to two hundred families .
As they already said , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the town to only African Americans.AdvertisementAdvertisement They added that because so much was taken from black and indigenous peoples , many of them don ’ t know their own stories .
Freedom is a place where they can create a new story .
By the time they ’ re done , they hope to have a fully operational city to put Freedom , Georgia , on the map .
This new city will be a legacy that each of the nineteen families will be able to pass down to their children .
Keep @ @ @ @ @ @ @ After Spending 20-Years Building Self-Sustaining Floating Island

The police shootings of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor, and the shooting death of Ahmaud Aubery, turned the world’s attention to one important realization: Black Americans don’t feel safe walking the streets of their own neighbourhoods.
As the ensuing unrest began rippling across the nation, two women decided they’d had enough. If they don’t feel safe in their current communities, why don’t they build a new one of their own? This new town will be named Freedom, Georgia, and will provide a safe space for people of color and those who support them.
Welcome to Freedom, Georgia
Real estate agent Ashley Scott and investor and entrepreneur Renee Walters are the masterminds behind the new community. Along with nineteen other African American families, they have purchased a 97-acre plot of land in Wilkinson County, Georgia. This will be the site of their black cooperative town, Freedom.
The purpose of the town is to create a safe space for people of color, particularly black families, who do not feel safe in their own towns and cities. Scott and Walters say they want to create a space where they can address their own issues and concerns.
“We needed to create a space and a place where we could be a village, again, a tribe, again,” they explained [1].
Both women have black husbands and black sons. They described how they had started to feel overwhelmed and anxious any time these men would leave the house. Walters saw a post that was going viral, which said that the town of Toomsboro was up for sale. She thought, why not purchase the town and start their own black city?
Not For Sale
Upon further inspection, however, Walters determined that the town was not, in fact, for sale. Instead, she found acreage for sale just outside of Toomsboro in Wilkinson County. The two women then decided that instead of purchasing a town, they’d build their own.
Scott and Walters created the Freedom Georgia Initiative to raise funds for the town. While building a new city can take decades, they believe the outpouring of support they have received will allow them to move much quicker.
“It was just such a beautiful piece of land. It was affordable, and it just made sense that we could create something that would be amazing for our families,” said Scott [1].
Freedom, Georgia, will not be exclusive to black people.
“At the end of the day we aren’t about doing reverse racism or reverse redlining,” explained Scott. “We just want to have a space, a place where black people and pro-black people can live and breath without the injustices we are facing in our current cities and societies.” [2]
Black Cooperatives: A Safe Space for All
A cooperative is when a group of people combines resources to create a collective. Many groups have formed cooperatives throughout the history of the United States, particularly Black Americans.
Jessica Gordon Nembhard is the author of Collective Courage: A History of African American Cooperative Economic Thought and Practice and a professor of community justice at John Jay College. She says that Black Americans have a very long history of cooperative economics and creating their own communal towns.
Hobson City, Alabama, was founded in 1989 and was the state’s first all-Black city. Black Americans created the city after they were kicked out of surrounding communities. Mound Bayou, one of the earliest all-Black municipalities, was found by former slaves after the Civil War.
“Almost every society that had enslavement also had marooned societies,” says Gordon Nembhard. “They set up their own communities … and start to farm it together, create a town, run the town, work collectively as much as possible and basically have a secluded space that was totally community controlled, and a way to be away from slavery.” [1]
Scott and Walters hope that their’s will be the next.
Freedom, Georgia: A Plan for the Future
The plan is to develop the community in phases. First, they will clear the land, farm, and create a lake for sustainable fishing. As of now, there are nineteen families who are a part of the project. Their goal is to eventually expand to two hundred families.
As they already said, however, they will not be restricting the town to only African Americans.
“It’s impossible to have anything exclusively Black because our families are integrated,” says Scott. “We are an integrated, tolerant and diverse community even as Black people, so we don’t intend for it to be exclusively Black, but we do intend for it to be pro Black in every way.” [1]
They added that because so much was taken from black and indigenous peoples, many of them don’t know their own stories. Freedom is a place where they can create a new story.
By the time they’re done, they hope to have a fully operational city to put Freedom, Georgia, on the map. This new city will be a legacy that each of the nineteen families will be able to pass down to their children.
Keep Reading: Couple Lives Off The Grid After Spending 20-Years Building Self-Sustaining Floating Island


theheartysoul--2020-10-08--Photo of a calm dad and a screaming toddler holds an important parenting lesson

Every parent knows the feeling of standing in a public space while their child has a complete meltdown .
Nothing makes you feel quite so embarrassed and helpless when your child is putting on a show for everyone else to watch .
A photo has gone viral of a child doing just that .
The star of this photo , however , is the calm dad standing over top of his daughter while she wails on the ground .
Calm Dad Goes Viral While Daughter Has Temper Tantrum Celebrity dad Justin Baldoni , known best for his role as Raffael @ @ @ @ @ @ @ photo on social media .
In the photo , he and his own father are standing looking down at Baldoni ’ s young daughter Maiya .
The little girl is having an absolute ringer of a temper tantrum during a family shopping trip at Whole Foods .
( 1 ) Despite the number of people around , both father and grandfather don ’ t look stressed at all .
In fact , they look almost a bit bemused by the whole thing .
Neither is bent over trying to pick her up off @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to stop , they are simply letting her work through her feelings .
( 1 ) Baldoni says he has his own father to thank for his “ calm dad ” reaction to the situation .
( 1 ) AdvertisementAdvertisement This Calm Dad ’ s Caption Says it All Accompanying the photo , which was captured by his wife Emily , Baldoni wrote a lengthy caption describing the situation .
He explains that this photo shows one of the most important lessons his dad ever taught him about fatherhood : Being comfortable in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about the number of times he was sure he had acted just as his daughter was in the photo growing up , he talked about how calm his dad always was in times just like it .
( 1 ) He goes on to talk about how much young children are learning and growing .
They are still figuring out how to process emotions and their point of reference for what is and isn ’ t a big deal is not yet developed .
Baldoni says that , as her father , he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ okay to have emotions and feel them deeply .
( 1 ) Read : Children Need Structure More Than Warmth , Says Child Psychologist Should You Tell Your Children Not To Cry ?
Baldoni ’ s post brings up an important point about what we are teaching our kids when we tell them to “ just stop crying ” .
By not allowing children to cry or express their less enjoyable emotions , we are teaching them that these emotions are less acceptable than others .
( 2 ) Moreover , when we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are experiencing these emotions in public , we are teaching them that negative emotions are shameful .
We are telling them sadness and pain should be oppressed and that we should never let anyone else see them .
( 2 ) All parents reading this are probably thinking “ Wait… so I ’ m supposed to just let my kids cry and cry and cry and that ’ s it ?
” Not exactly .
According to Michael Gurian , a marriage and family counselor , this divisive problem and can be difficult @ @ @ @ @ @ @ four examples to help us visualize the difference between telling your child not to cry versus providing them with emotional support and helping them process their emotions ( 2 ) : A father ( or mother ) says to a child , “ Stop crying or I ’ ll give you something to cry about !
” He or she is wielding a belt across the child ’ s behind .
A mother ( or father ) says to a crying child , “ Crying just makes you weak , I ’ m @ @ @ @ @ @ @ away from the child .
A father ( or mother ) says to a crying child , “ That ’ s enough crying , it ’ s not helping anything , ” and gives the child other emotional expression strategies.AdvertisementAdvertisement A mother ( or father ) says to a crying child , “ If you see a problem , do something about it , ” and helps the child stop crying so that they can problem-solve , and take good action .
The first two scenarios can cause social-emotional harm to a child @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : That emotions are bad and you should oppress them at all costs .
( 2 ) The second two show the parents first allowing the child to cry , then gently giving them direction as to how to not let their emotion completely paralyze them .
Instead , the parents play an active role by teaching the child to be proactive when faced with a problem .
( 2 ) Crying and having the opportunity to vent or express our emotions is cathartic for anyone at any age .
It is important @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that it is normal , healthy , and socially acceptable to have emotions .
As Baldoni said , it is okay to also allow ourselves to feel those emotions and explore them .
From there , parents must teach their children how to then regain their control and composure and take action despite having been emotionally triggered .
Its important to be that calm parent .
The more we teach future generations that emotions do not make you weak , as well as how to properly process and manage those feelings , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Keep Reading : Physician : American Children ‘ Immersed in a Culture of Disrespect ’

Every parent knows the feeling of standing in a public space while their child has a complete meltdown. Nothing makes you feel quite so embarrassed and helpless when your child is putting on a show for everyone else to watch. A photo has gone viral of a child doing just that. The star of this photo, however, is the calm dad standing over top of his daughter while she wails on the ground.
Calm Dad Goes Viral While Daughter Has Temper Tantrum
Celebrity dad Justin Baldoni, known best for his role as Raffael on Jane the Virgin, shared a photo on social media. In the photo, he and his own father are standing looking down at Baldoni’s young daughter Maiya. The little girl is having an absolute ringer of a temper tantrum during a family shopping trip at Whole Foods. (1)
Despite the number of people around, both father and grandfather don’t look stressed at all. In fact, they look almost a bit bemused by the whole thing. Neither is bent over trying to pick her up off the floor or trying to tell her to stop, they are simply letting her work through her feelings. (1)
Baldoni says he has his own father to thank for his “calm dad” reaction to the situation. (1)
This Calm Dad’s Caption Says it All
Accompanying the photo, which was captured by his wife Emily, Baldoni wrote a lengthy caption describing the situation. He explains that this photo shows one of the most important lessons his dad ever taught him about fatherhood: Being comfortable in the uncomfortable. (1)
Thinking about the number of times he was sure he had acted just as his daughter was in the photo growing up, he talked about how calm his dad always was in times just like it. (1)
“There are no perfect parents, but one thing my dad taught me is to not parent based on what anyone else thinks. My dad always let me feel what I needed to feel, even if it was in public and embarrassing,” Baldoni explained. “I don’t remember him ever saying “You’re embarrassing me!” or “Dont cry!” It wasn’t until recently that I realized how paramount that was for my own emotional development.” (1)
He goes on to talk about how much young children are learning and growing. They are still figuring out how to process emotions and their point of reference for what is and isn’t a big deal is not yet developed. Baldoni says that, as her father, he wants to teach her that it is okay to have emotions and feel them deeply. (1)
“It’s not embarrassing to me when she throw tantrums in the grocery store, or screams on a plane,” he says. “Let’s not be embarrassed for our children. It doesn’t reflect on you. In fact.. we should probably be a little more kind and patient with ourselves too. If we got out everything we were feeling and allowed ourselves to throw tantrums and cry when we felt the need to then maybe we’d could also let ourselves feel more joy and happiness.” (1)
I tried to stay off social media yesterday to connect with my family without distraction so I'm posting this today…. Posted by Justin Baldoni on Monday, June 19, 2017
Should You Tell Your Children Not To Cry?
Baldoni’s post brings up an important point about what we are teaching our kids when we tell them to “just stop crying”. By not allowing children to cry or express their less enjoyable emotions, we are teaching them that these emotions are less acceptable than others. (2)
Moreover, when we quickly try to hush them when they are experiencing these emotions in public, we are teaching them that negative emotions are shameful. We are telling them sadness and pain should be oppressed and that we should never let anyone else see them. (2)
All parents reading this are probably thinking “Wait… so I’m supposed to just let my kids cry and cry and cry and that’s it?”
Not exactly. According to Michael Gurian, a marriage and family counselor, this divisive problem and can be difficult for parents to navigate. He uses four examples to help us visualize the difference between telling your child not to cry versus providing them with emotional support and helping them process their emotions (2):
Scenario 1:
A father (or mother) says to a child, “Stop crying or I’ll give you something to cry about!” He or she is wielding a belt across the child’s behind.
Scenario 2:
A mother (or father) says to a crying child, “Crying just makes you weak, I’m ashamed of you,” and walks away from the child.
Scenario 3:
A father (or mother) says to a crying child, “That’s enough crying, it’s not helping anything,” and gives the child other emotional expression strategies.
Scenario 4:
A mother (or father) says to a crying child, “If you see a problem, do something about it,” and helps the child stop crying so that they can problem-solve, and take good action.
Examining the Scenarios
The first two scenarios can cause social-emotional harm to a child and will enforce the ideas mentioned above: That emotions are bad and you should oppress them at all costs. (2)
The second two show the parents first allowing the child to cry, then gently giving them direction as to how to not let their emotion completely paralyze them. Instead, the parents play an active role by teaching the child to be proactive when faced with a problem. (2)
The Bottom Line, Be a Calm Parent
Crying and having the opportunity to vent or express our emotions is cathartic for anyone at any age. It is important that as parents we teach our children that it is normal, healthy, and socially acceptable to have emotions. As Baldoni said, it is okay to also allow ourselves to feel those emotions and explore them.
From there, parents must teach their children how to then regain their control and composure and take action despite having been emotionally triggered. Its important to be that calm parent.
The more we teach future generations that emotions do not make you weak, as well as how to properly process and manage those feelings, the better off coming generations will be.


theheartysoul--2020-10-08--When Wasps Are Given Colored Paper, They Build Rainbow Nests

Wasps are known for being aggressive , but did you know they are also quite artistic ?
A student in Italy did an experiment with wasps and colored paper , which resulted in the insects building rainbow nests .
This is how they do it .
Italian biological science student Mattia Menchetti performed an experiment with non-aggressive paper wasps while studying at the University of Florence .
The experiment involved slowly introducing different sheets of colored paper to the wasps to see what they would build with it .
( 1 ) He first gave them sheets of yellow paper @ @ @ @ @ @ @ different shades , one-by-one .
The result is gorgeous rainbow nests that serve as brightly colored homes for their larvae .
( 2 ) How They Do It Paper wasps build their nests by secreting chewing on wood or paper products .
The chewing plus secretions from their bodies soften the pulp so that they can use it to construct their nests .
( 1 ) The wasps have a special protein in their saliva that not only makes their nest sturdy but also completely waterproof .
( 2 ) Paper wasps ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , in fact , that their saliva protein was used to waterproof an eco-drone designed by students from Stanford and Brown Universities in collaboration with scientists from the NASA Ames Research Center .
( 4 ) The photos , of course , are absolutely stunning .
Some beekeepers in France also had an unexpectedly colorful surprise when their bees started producing blue and green honey .
As it turns out , the bees were collecting sugar from M & M shells at a nearby waste-processing plant .
( 3 ) Understandably so , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ honey and filed an angry complaint against the company .
( 1 ) What do you think ?
Would you let a paper wasp build a brightly colored home on your front porch ?
Keep Reading : One Dragonfly Can Eat 100 ’ s of Mosquitoes Per Day : Keep These Plants in Your Yard to Attract Dragonflies !

Wasps are known for being aggressive, but did you know they are also quite artistic? A student in Italy did an experiment with wasps and colored paper, which resulted in the insects building rainbow nests. This is how they do it.
Wasps Build Rainbow Nests
Italian biological science student Mattia Menchetti performed an experiment with non-aggressive paper wasps while studying at the University of Florence. The experiment involved slowly introducing different sheets of colored paper to the wasps to see what they would build with it. (1)
He first gave them sheets of yellow paper, and then slowly began giving them different shades, one-by-one. The result is gorgeous rainbow nests that serve as brightly colored homes for their larvae. (2)
Read: A Comprehensive Guide to Yellow Stripey Things
How They Do It
Paper wasps build their nests by secreting chewing on wood or paper products. The chewing plus secretions from their bodies soften the pulp so that they can use it to construct their nests. (1) The wasps have a special protein in their saliva that not only makes their nest sturdy but also completely waterproof. (2)
Paper wasps’ nests are so sturdy and so waterproof, in fact, that their saliva protein was used to waterproof an eco-drone designed by students from Stanford and Brown Universities in collaboration with scientists from the NASA Ames Research Center. (4)
The photos, of course, are absolutely stunning.
Other Interesting Insects
Some beekeepers in France also had an unexpectedly colorful surprise when their bees started producing blue and green honey. As it turns out, the bees were collecting sugar from M&M shells at a nearby waste-processing plant. (3)
Understandably so, the beekeepers were unable to sell that honey and filed an angry complaint against the company. (1)
What do you think? Would you let a paper wasp build a brightly colored home on your front porch?


theheartysoul--2020-10-09--4-year-old gives baby brother hilarious advice about grandma

Many of us take advice from our older siblings as we grow up .
Often , we look to them while they navigate the world and learn from their successes and mistakes .
In this adorable video , a young baby receives life advice from his much older , much more experienced four-year-old brother .
This is what he has to say .
You might not think that advice from a four-year-old is valuable , however young Ari has plenty of knowledge that he wants to give to his baby brother Finn .
After all , he ’ s been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ four long years , so he ’ s gotten to know the ins-and-outs of life in their home pretty well .
( 1 ) Baby Finn looks somewhat bewildered but ready to listen and learn .
Let ’ s dive into some of the tips Ari has for his young sibling .
( 1 ) Tip # 1 : When in doubt , ask Grandma Ari starts off by letting Finn in on this harsh truth : Mommy and Daddy are going to say no .
A lot .
After years of hearing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has learned that when they say no , Grandma will always say yes .
( 1 ) Tip # 2 : You can ’ t get enough TV Ari says his parents claim that too much screen time is bad for them .
In his opinion , however , this is false .
TV is great and the more cartoons you watch the happier you will be .
( 1 ) Tip # 3 : You have to wipe your own bum Right now , Finn is living in that blissful part of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , including wiping your bum .
Ari lays a hard truth on his little brother , letting him know that one day soon , this will all stop .
You will be expected to start doing things on your own , and that includes the disgusting task of wiping your own behind .
( 1 ) This tip is very important : Ari tells Finn that it is imperative that he hug their mommy every single day , no questions asked .
( 1 ) Ari ’ s parents are always trying to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s advice ?
Don ’ t !
The more you sleep , the more likely you are to miss out on something exciting .
Stay in the action and avoid going to sleep as much as possible .
( 1 ) This one is less of a tip and more of a fact : Adults using baby talk is annoying .
Perhaps Ari hopes that if Finn agrees , he will stop reacting to their parents ’ baby talk , and then they will stop doing it .
( 1 ) Tip @ @ @ @ @ @ @ According to Ari , nothing green ever tastes good , so don ’ t let anyone force you into eating those foods .
Unless , he adds , that food is green M & Ms .
This is an acceptable green food and should be consumed as often as possible .
( 1 ) He then goes on to give Finn a list of things that you can ’ t eat ( 1 ) : Tip # 8 : When in doubt , sing it out This tip is definitely something we could @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you don ’ t know what to do or say , just sing .
He doesn ’ t specify why , but the happiness you see on Ari ’ s face while he serenades his baby brother tells you everything you need to know .
( 1 ) Ari goes on to explain where babies come from .
This upsets baby Finn , to which Ari replies : He then , however , gives Finn another piece of advice that quite honestly we could all use : Sometimes , you ’ ve just @ @ @ @ @ @ @ crying is okay and that he will always be there for his baby bro .
( 1 ) This serves as an excellent reminder that you don ’ t have to share DNA to take care of each other and treat one another like family .
Let ’ s all take some of Ari ’ s advice : Sing a little more , love each other like family , and eat more green M & Ms .

Many of us take advice from our older siblings as we grow up. Often, we look to them while they navigate the world and learn from their successes and mistakes. In this adorable video, a young baby receives life advice from his much older, much more experienced four-year-old brother. This is what he has to say.
Life Advice from a Four-Year-Old
You might not think that advice from a four-year-old is valuable, however young Ari has plenty of knowledge that he wants to give to his baby brother Finn. After all, he’s been living under their parents’ roof for four long years, so he’s gotten to know the ins-and-outs of life in their home pretty well. (1)
Baby Finn looks somewhat bewildered but ready to listen and learn. Let’s dive into some of the tips Ari has for his young sibling. (1)
Tip #1: When in doubt, ask Grandma
Ari starts off by letting Finn in on this harsh truth: Mommy and Daddy are going to say no. A lot. After years of hearing this word from his parents, Ari has learned that when they say no, Grandma will always say yes. (1)
Tip #2: You can’t get enough TV
Ari says his parents claim that too much screen time is bad for them. In his opinion, however, this is false. TV is great and the more cartoons you watch the happier you will be. (1)
Tip #3: You have to wipe your own bum
Right now, Finn is living in that blissful part of life where everything is done for you, including wiping your bum. Ari lays a hard truth on his little brother, letting him know that one day soon, this will all stop. You will be expected to start doing things on your own, and that includes the disgusting task of wiping your own behind. (1)
Tip #4: Hug your mom every day
This tip is very important: Ari tells Finn that it is imperative that he hug their mommy every single day, no questions asked. (1)
Tip #5: Don’t sleep more
Ari’s parents are always trying to get him to sleep more. Ari’s advice? Don’t! The more you sleep, the more likely you are to miss out on something exciting. Stay in the action and avoid going to sleep as much as possible. (1)
Tip #6: Baby voice is annoying
This one is less of a tip and more of a fact: Adults using baby talk is annoying. Perhaps Ari hopes that if Finn agrees, he will stop reacting to their parents’ baby talk, and then they will stop doing it. (1)
Tip #7: Say no to green
According to Ari, nothing green ever tastes good, so don’t let anyone force you into eating those foods. Unless, he adds, that food is green M&Ms. This is an acceptable green food and should be consumed as often as possible. (1)
He then goes on to give Finn a list of things that you can’t eat (1):
Bubblegum
Money
Garbage
Play-doh
Your dog
Water cups filled with soap
Toothpaste
Anything green
(He’s really quite emphatic about that last one.)
Tip # 8: When in doubt, sing it out
This tip is definitely something we could all use. Ari says that when you don’t know what to do or say, just sing. He doesn’t specify why, but the happiness you see on Ari’s face while he serenades his baby brother tells you everything you need to know. (1)
Tip #9: Sometimes you’ve just gotta cry
Ari goes on to explain where babies come from. This upsets baby Finn, to which Ari replies:
“Yeah, that was my reaction, too.” (1)
He then, however, gives Finn another piece of advice that quite honestly we could all use: Sometimes, you’ve just got to cry. Ari says that crying is okay and that he will always be there for his baby bro. (1)
Lastly, Ari says to Finn:
“Even though we’re not related, we’re still brothers.” (1)
This serves as an excellent reminder that you don’t have to share DNA to take care of each other and treat one another like family.
Let’s all take some of Ari’s advice: Sing a little more, love each other like family, and eat more green M&Ms.


theheartysoul--2020-10-09--Man builds park stairs for $550, irking city after $65,000 estimate

Sometimes to get a job done you just have to do it yourself .
That ’ s exactly what this Toronto man did when his community garden was in desperate need of a staircase .
Now , the city has threatened to tear it down .
In the summer of 2017 , Adi Astl of Etobicoke in Toronto , Canada was tired of watching his friends and neighbors struggle , slip , and fall down the steep hill that leads down to their community garden in Tom Riley Park .
No longer wishing to wait for the estimated $ 65,000 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the problem , he took matters into his own hands .
( 1 ) A retired mechanic , Astl , along with contributions from his community , built the staircase for just $ 550 .
He even hired a homeless man to help him with the build .
Shortly after he received notice that the city was threatening to tear it down .
( 1 ) The entire community was grateful to Astl for building the stairs and was unhappy that the city wanted to remove it .
( 1 ) Last year @ @ @ @ @ @ @ her wrist while attempting to navigate the hill .
After that happened , many of the residents grew impatient for how long it was taking for the city to actually do something about the issue .
( 1 ) Despite all of this , it didn ’ t take long for city bylaw officers to cordon off the stairs with caution tape .
( 1 ) AdvertisementMayor John Tory addressed the reasons why the city was unhappy with Astl ’ s custom build .
The top concerns were safety and accessibility .
City @ @ @ @ @ @ @ built according to code .
( 1 ) Three main problems with them were ( 1 ) : Tory also pointed out that the hill is actually a short-cut to the garden from the parking lot and that there is an accessible path that leads to the garden .
( 1 ) The mayor did agree that the quoted cost of the project seemed quite high for what it was .
He did say , however , that while it should cost far less than the $ 65,000 price tag , it would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 550 staircase .
( 1 ) AdvertisementApparently the city-based the first estimate on projects in other parks , however , the mayor asked his staff to revisit the project and come up with something much more reasonable .
( 1 ) The Stairs Were Torn Down Though Astl ’ s stairs were torn down , they were immediately replaced with a city-approved version .
Astl was not resentful , however , as he was just happy that because of him something finally got done about this problem .
( 2 ) ‘ It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Astl , the project wasn ’ t about disobeying the city or trying to do anything to make anyone upset .
He simply saw a problem that wasn ’ t being solved and took action to protect his community .
( 2 ) In a written statement that Tory released just prior to the reconstruction of the staircase , the mayor thanked Astl for his help in moving the project forward .
( 2 ) The new steps were estimated to cost $ 10,000 and were built in just a few days .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ be much more reasonable .
( 2 ) Advertisement Thanks to Astl , now the residents of the Tom Riley Park area of Etobicoke have a safe set of stairs right to their community garden .
Keep Reading : How One Man Turned His Backyard Garden Into a Full-Fledged Community Farmers Market

Sometimes to get a job done you just have to do it yourself. That’s exactly what this Toronto man did when his community garden was in desperate need of new park stairs. Now, the city has threatened to tear it down.
Toronto Man Builds Park Stairs
In the summer of 2017, Adi Astl of Etobicoke in Toronto, Canada was tired of watching his friends and neighbors struggle, slip, and fall down the steep hill that leads down to their community garden in Tom Riley Park. No longer wishing to wait for the estimated $65,000 to $150,000 city project to tackle the problem, he took matters into his own hands. (1)
“To me, the safety of people is more important than money,” Astl said. “So if the city is not willing to do it, I have to do it myself.” (1)
A retired mechanic, Astl, along with contributions from his community, built the staircase for just $550. He even hired a homeless man to help him with the build. Shortly after he received notice that the city was threatening to tear it down. (1)
A Welcomed Addition
The entire community was grateful to Astl for building the park stairs and was unhappy that the city wanted to remove it. (1)
“I’ve seen so many people fall over that rocky path that was there to begin with,” said Astl’s wife Gail Rutherford. “It’s a huge improvement over what was there.” (1)
Last year one of their neighbors slipped and broke her wrist while attempting to navigate the hill. After that happened, many of the residents grew impatient for how long it was taking for the city to actually do something about the issue. (1)
“We have far too much bureaucracy,” said community member Dana Beamon. “We don’t have enough self-initiative in our city, so I’m impressed.” (1)
Despite all of this, it didn’t take long for city bylaw officers to cordon off the park stairs with caution tape. (1)
Not Built to Code
Mayor John Tory addressed the reasons why the city was unhappy with Astl’s custom build. The top concerns were safety and accessibility. City inspectors stated that the steps were not built according to code. (1) Three main problems with them were (1):
Unsafe railing
Uneven incline
No foundation
Tory also pointed out that the hill is actually a short-cut to the garden from the parking lot and that there is an accessible path that leads to the garden. (1)
The Outrageous Estimate
The mayor did agree that the quoted cost of the project seemed quite high for what it was. He did say, however, that while it should cost far less than the $65,000 price tag, it would cost more than Astl’s $550 staircase. (1)
“I think everyone will understand that it will be more than $550,” he stated. “We just can’t have people decide to go out to Home Depot and build a staircase in a park because that’s what they would like to have.” (1)
Apparently the city-based the first estimate on projects in other parks, however, the mayor asked his staff to revisit the project and come up with something much more reasonable. (1)
The Stairs Were Torn Down
Though Astl’s stairs were torn down, they were immediately replaced with a city-approved version. Astl was not resentful, however, as he was just happy that because of him something finally got done about this problem.
“I was relieved last night when the mayor phoned me… to thank me to help the city to realize what they are doing is not the right thing,” Astl told CTV News Channel in July 2017. “A whole big stone fell from my heart and said, ‘Now we’re going to get somewhere in helping people be safe.’”
‘It was About Protecting the Community’
For Astl, the project wasn’t about disobeying the city or trying to do anything to make anyone upset. He simply saw a problem that wasn’t being solved and took action to protect his community.
In a written statement that Tory released just prior to the reconstruction of the staircase, the mayor thanked Astl for his help in moving the project forward.
“I want to thank Mr. Astl for taking a stand on this issue,” Tory added. “His homemade steps have sent a message that I know City Staff have heard loud and clear.”
The new steps were estimated to cost $10,000 and were built in just a few days. Tory promised that future project estimates would be much more reasonable.
“We’re also going to take a look at how this process works today so that we can make sure that these kinds of crazy estimates don’t become just a continuous part of how things happen because they shouldn’t,” he said.
Thanks to Astl, now the residents of the Tom Riley Park area of Etobicoke have a safe set of stairs right to their community garden.
Keep Reading: He Built Homes for the Homeless. So the City Sued Him
Sources:


theheartysoul--2020-10-09--All-girl engineer team invents solar-powered tent for the homeless

Girls have the power to change the world , and these young high school students are proving that .
This all-girl engineer team invented a solar-powered tent for the homeless to keep them warmer at night , There is no question about it : Homelessness is on the rise .
In 2017 , a group of female high school students noticed this and knew they wanted to do something to help .
Unfortunately , many of them felt powerless with nothing they could offer .
( 1 ) The girls didn ’ t want their financial limitations to stop them @ @ @ @ @ @ @ way they can help .
Where they couldn ’ t provide income , perhaps they could provide these members of their community with one of the basic necessities of life : Shelter to sleep at night .
( 1 ) This is what spurred this all-girl engineer team to invent a solar-powered tent that folds up into a rollaway backpack .
( 1 ) The team of 12 girls from San Fernando High School partnered with DIY Girls and worked for a full year developing their tent .
DIY Girls is an organization @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , engineering , math , and STEM .
( 2 ) The girls had several goals for their tent .
These included ( 2 ) : • LED and UVC lights that disinfect the tent • To have it patented • To ensure it gets in the hands of the people who need it most AdvertisementThe girls want their tent to help as many people as possible , from the homeless living in San Fernando to refugees displaced from their homes .
( 2 ) Former executive and program director and current board @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t wait to help out when she heard about the girls ’ project .
She was a San Fernando graduate herself and went on to study engineering at MIT and UCLA .
Gomez understands first-hand how important it is to support girls and Hispanic students in this field .
( 2 ) “ I know in my own education , through undergraduate and graduate school , I was often the only Hispanic person in the room , ” Gomez explains .
“ I think it really places a big burden on your @ @ @ @ @ @ @ representing myself , I ’ m representing my people , I ’ m representing my community , and if I say something that maybe … doesn ’ t make sense , then that ’ s going to reflect poorly on them .
That ’ s the beauty of having an all-girl team and having the beauty of working within our own community : We have no one else to turn to for answers .
We need to come up with the answers ourselves .
It ’ s very empowering.
” ( 2 ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ know each other at the start of the project .
Now they have become great friends who will hopefully go on to support each other in their post-secondary endeavors .
( 2 ) Though they relied largely on Gomez in the beginning , they very quickly gained confidence and independence to do things on their own .
If they didn ’ t know something , they looked to Google and YouTube to help them figure it out .
( 1 ) AdvertisementThe girls worked six days a week on the project , including @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had to put their tent through rigorous stress and quality control tests , which their first prototype failed and they had to start all over again .
( 1 ) The hope is that eventually , this tent could be mass-produced so that it can help as many people as possible .
( 1 ) This all-girls team is proof that , with support and mentorship , girls and women can do anything they set their minds to .

Girls have the power to change the world, and these young high school students are proving that. This all-girl engineer team invented a solar-powered tent for the homeless to keep them warmer at night,
All-Girl Engineer Team Invents Solar-Powered Tents for the Homeless
There is no question about it: Homelessness is on the rise. In 2017, a group of female high school students noticed this and knew they wanted to do something to help. Unfortunately, many of them felt powerless with nothing they could offer. (1)
“Because we come from low-income families ourselves, we can’t give them money,” explained high school senior Daniela Orozco. (1)
The girls didn’t want their financial limitations to stop them and knew that there must be another way they can help. Where they couldn’t provide income, perhaps they could provide these members of their community with one of the basic necessities of life: Shelter to sleep at night. (1)
This is what spurred this all-girl engineer team to invent a solar-powered tent that folds up into a rollaway backpack. (1)
Girl Power
The team of 12 girls from San Fernando High School partnered with DIY Girls and worked for a full year developing their tent. DIY Girls is an organization that supports girls in science, technology, engineering, math, and STEM. (2)
The girls had several goals for their tent. These included (2):
Easily portable and lightweight
LED and UVC lights that disinfect the tent
To have it patented
To ensure it gets in the hands of the people who need it most
The girls want their tent to help as many people as possible, from the homeless living in San Fernando to refugees displaced from their homes. (2)
Inspire and Empower
Former executive and program director and current board member at DIY Girls Evelyn Gomez couldn’t wait to help out when she heard about the girls’ project. She was a San Fernando graduate herself and went on to study engineering at MIT and UCLA. Gomez understands first-hand how important it is to support girls and Hispanic students in this field. (2)
“I know in my own education, through undergraduate and graduate school, I was often the only Hispanic person in the room,” Gomez explains. “I think it really places a big burden on your shoulders: I’m not just representing myself, I’m representing my people, I’m representing my community, and if I say something that maybe … doesn’t make sense, then that’s going to reflect poorly on them. That’s the beauty of having an all-girl team and having the beauty of working within our own community: We have no one else to turn to for answers. We need to come up with the answers ourselves. It’s very empowering.” (2)
Most of the girls didn’t know each other at the start of the project. Now they have become great friends who will hopefully go on to support each other in their post-secondary endeavors. (2) Though they relied largely on Gomez in the beginning, they very quickly gained confidence and independence to do things on their own. If they didn’t know something, they looked to Google and YouTube to help them figure it out. (1)
Hard Work Pays Off
The girls worked six days a week on the project, including over winter and spring break. They had to put their tent through rigorous stress and quality control tests, which their first prototype failed and they had to start all over again. (1)
The hope is that eventually, this tent could be mass-produced so that it can help as many people as possible. (1)
This all-girls team is proof that, with support and mentorship, girls and women can do anything they set their minds to.


theheartysoul--2020-10-10--Researchers gave 50 homeless people $7,500 each — and found the results were ‘beautifully surprising

Researchers gave 50 homeless people $7,500 each — and found the results were ‘beautifully surprising’

Tackling homelessness is one of the biggest challenges facing society .
In the United States , over five hundred thousand people experience homelessness on any given night [ 1 ] .
In Canada , there are at least 235 thousand people who experience homelessness every year , with 35 thousand on any given night [ 2 ] .
But what would happen if you gave those people enough money to get a fresh start ?
That ’ s the question one researcher in British Columbia , Canada , asked herself .
This prompted her to start the New Leaf Project @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of uplifting .
Foundations for Social Change is a charitable organization in Vancouver , British Columbia .
In 2018 , the organization partnered with the University of British Columbia to create the New Leaf Project .
The project included 115 participants .
All of them ranged in age from 19 to 64 years old , had been homeless for at least six months , and were not battling any serious substance abuse or mental health issues .
Out of that group , the researchers gave fifty participants 7500 dollars .
The rest of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The researchers then checked on them over the course of a year [ 3 ] .Advertisement The Foundation ’ s CEO , Claire Williams , said she was “ beautifully surprised ” by the results .
The individuals who received the money spent less days homeless and had moved into stable housing after an average of three months .
They also found that participants managed their money effectively , and didn ’ t burn through it the way you might expect .
This is the average breakdown of how each participant spent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , nearly seventy percent of the recipients were food-secure .
Perhaps surprisingly , spending on alcohol , cigarettes , and drugs dropped by 39 percent .
Williams says that these results challenge the public ’ s perception on people living on margins .
While it may sound expensive to just start handing out money to people , the opposite is actually true .
Williams says that giving these people the help they need is actually beneficial to Canadian taxpayers .
According to Williams , one homeless person costs on average 55 thousand dollars @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The New Leaf Project actually saved the organization over eight thousand dollars per person .
In total , they saved over four hundred thousand dollars for all fifty participants for the year.Advertisement Helping People Get Back on Their Feet The project gave participants the opportunity to get their lives back on track .
One participant , Ray , said he used the money to get housing .
Ray was also able to take a computer class so he could work toward his goal of becoming a frontline worker for people with substance addictions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ give back to where he came from .
Keep Reading : Universal Basic Income Trial Starts Giving Some Citizens $ 1400 A Month For 3 Years

Tackling homelessness is one of the biggest challenges facing society. In the United States, over five hundred thousand people experience homelessness on any given night [1]. In Canada, there are at least 235 thousand people who experience homelessness every year, with 35 thousand on any given night [2]. But what would happen if you gave those people enough money to get a fresh start? That’s the question one researcher in British Columbia, Canada, asked herself. This prompted her to start the New Leaf Project, and the results were nothing short of uplifting.
The New Leaf Project
Foundations for Social Change is a charitable organization in Vancouver, British Columbia. In 2018, the organization partnered with the University of British Columbia to create the New Leaf Project.
The project included 115 participants. All of them ranged in age from 19 to 64 years old, had been homeless for at least six months, and were not battling any serious substance abuse or mental health issues.
Out of that group, the researchers gave fifty participants 7500 dollars. The rest of the participants made up the control group. The researchers then checked on them over the course of a year [3].
A Beautiful Surprise
The Foundation’s CEO, Claire Williams, said she was “beautifully surprised” by the results. The individuals who received the money spent less days homeless and had moved into stable housing after an average of three months.
They also found that participants managed their money effectively, and didn’t burn through it the way you might expect.
“We saw people retain over $1,000 for 12 months, which is remarkable in the Lower Mainland,” said Williams [3].
This is the average breakdown of how each participant spent their money:
Food and rent: 52 percent
Clothes and transportation: 16 percent
Other items (medication, bills, etc.): 15 percent
After just one month, nearly seventy percent of the recipients were food-secure. Perhaps surprisingly, spending on alcohol, cigarettes, and drugs dropped by 39 percent. Williams says that these results challenge the public’s perception on people living on margins.
The New Leaf Project: A Cost-Effective Solution
While it may sound expensive to just start handing out money to people, the opposite is actually true. Williams says that giving these people the help they need is actually beneficial to Canadian taxpayers.
According to Williams, one homeless person costs on average 55 thousand dollars annually for social and health services. The New Leaf Project actually saved the organization over eight thousand dollars per person. In total, they saved over four hundred thousand dollars for all fifty participants for the year.
“The common belief is that the status quo is cheap… in fact, it is incredibly expensive,” said Williams [3].
Helping People Get Back on Their Feet
The project gave participants the opportunity to get their lives back on track. One participant, Ray, said he used the money to get housing.
Ray was also able to take a computer class so he could work toward his goal of becoming a frontline worker for people with substance addictions. He wants to be able to give back to where he came from.
“A seed can grow into an oak tree and I might one day be that important person that has that powerful voice.” [3]
Keep Reading: Universal Basic Income Trial Starts Giving Some Citizens $1400 A Month For 3 Years


theheartysoul--2020-10-10--Forgotten Technology: Man Lifts 20 Ton Block By Hand

Has the mystery of how the Great Pyramids or Stonehenge was built bothered you since you first learned of them as a kid ?
Well , this Michigan man may have figured it out .
This is how a man lifts 20-ton blocks around his yard with just simple wooden tools and gravity .
Man Lifts 20 Ton Block Without Use of Modern Tools Retired carpenter Wally Wallington of Michigan has made a name for himself as the man who lifts 20-ton blocks without relying on modern tools or technology .
His method was one that he figured out during @ @ @ @ @ @ @ construction .
( 1 ) There were many times throughout his career that he had to improvise tools and methods in order to get a job done .
One of those times was more than 20 years ago when he had to move some 1200 pound concrete blocks from a floor .
He and his team didn ’ t have a machine that could reach some of the blocks , and the only option seemed to be to break them into smaller chunks and load them into wheelbarrows .
This , of course @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he came up with an alternative solution .
Advertisement Retired nine years later , Wallington decided to continue to explore this technique that he had used nearly a decade earlier .
Once he mastered the one-ton block , he began challenging himself with heavier and heavier ones .
He made a few discoveries of what he was capable of working alone without much effort .
He found that he could ( 1 ) : • Stand two 8 feet , 2400 pound blocks on their ends and place another 2400 pound block on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ block All of this he did without the use of wheels , rollers , pulleys , or hoisting equipment .
( 1 ) Read : World ’ s Largest 3D Printer Makes Almost Zero Cost Homes Out of Mud There are several theories as to how Stonehenge and the Pyramids were built all those thousands of years ago .
Some researchers have suggested these ancient people used slides to move the giant stones , others theorized the use of oxen .
Many people have put forward the theory of extraterrestrial involvement , though @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to back this up .
( 2 ) Wallington has found that not much more than simple wooden tools and gravity are necessary to move the gargantuan stones .
You don ’ t need anything rigid , you don ’ t need to lift any weight .
It ’ s really just physics .
( 1 ) According to Wallington , the heavier an object is , the easier it actually is to balance it .
From there , it is just a simple law of physics .
( 1 ) Wallington explains @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s method for moving large stones across long distances and then erecting large structures using them certainly is a possible technique ancient people could have used to build these famous monuments .
We have no way of actually knowing if they used this method , but it is definitely fun to think about .
( 2 ) AdvertisementAdvertisement Keep Reading : Try not to jiggle while watching these amazing bladeless wind turbines

Has the mystery of how the Great Pyramids or Stonehenge was built bothered you since you first learned of them as a kid? Well, this Michigan man may have figured it out. This is how a man lifts 20-ton blocks around his yard with just simple wooden tools and gravity.
Retired carpenter Wally Wallington of Michigan has made a name for himself as the man who lifts 20-ton blocks without relying on modern tools or technology. His method was one that he figured out during his 35 years of experience working in construction.
There were many times throughout his career that he had to improvise tools and methods in order to get a job done. One of those times was more than 20 years ago when he had to move some 1200 pound concrete blocks from a floor.
He and his team didn’t have a machine that could reach some of the blocks, and the only option seemed to be to break them into smaller chunks and load them into wheelbarrows. This, of course, was time and labor-intensive, so he came up with an alternative solution.
“Using a few rocks and leverage, I removed the blocks from below the floor to an area that the machine could reach them for removal. After doing this several times, the technique became very easy and quick. This experience had me consider the possibility that people may have used this technique before modern-day equipment was available.” (1)
A Retirement Discovery
Retired nine years later, Wallington decided to continue to explore this technique that he had used nearly a decade earlier.
“I brought home a one-ton block of concrete from a job. Once I got home, I realized that I had to use my techniques to get the block off the truck. After unloading, I found that my technique allowed me to move the block around the yard with very little effort.” (1)
Once he mastered the one-ton block, he began challenging himself with heavier and heavier ones.
“Within a few months time, I was moving, rolling, standing on end, and stacking them on top of each other.” (1)
He made a few discoveries of what he was capable of working alone without much effort. He found that he could (1):
Move a 2400 pound block 300 feet per hour
Move a 10,000-pound block at 70 feet per hour
Stand two 8 feet, 2400 pound blocks on their ends and place another 2400 pound block on top, taking about two hours per block
All of this he did without the use of wheels, rollers, pulleys, or hoisting equipment. (1)
A Mystery Solved?
There are several theories as to how Stonehenge and the Pyramids were built all those thousands of years ago. Some researchers have suggested these ancient people used slides to move the giant stones, others theorized the use of oxen.
Many people have put forward the theory of extraterrestrial involvement, though of course there is no solid evidence to back this up. (1)
Wallington has found that not much more than simple wooden tools and gravity are necessary to move the gargantuan stones. You don’t need anything rigid, you don’t need to lift any weight. It’s really just physics. (1)
A Lesson in Physics
According to Wallington, the heavier an object is, the easier it actually is to balance it. From there, it is just a simple law of physics. (1) Wallington explains it succinctly on his website:
“Since mass has to obey the laws of physics, it resists movement and once it is set in motion it resists change. Also, once a weight is close to balance on a single point, rotation can be initiated and the object becomes stable. The more weight, the more inertia, the more inertia, the more stable, therefore the heavier the better.
Additional weight or leverage is used and can be shifted so the weight can be balanced on more than one fulcrum. For horizontal movement the fulcrum is also a pivot. Since leverage is not used under the object it does not interfere with motion.
In the classes of levers, the lever is always in contact with the fulcrum, input, and the load. When I am using leverage or weight as input, it only comes in contact with the load and the load rests on the fulcrum. Therefore, the load is my lever.” (1)
A Solution Unknown
Wallington’s method for moving large stones across long distances and then erecting large structures using them certainly is a possible technique ancient people could have used to build these famous monuments. We have no way of actually knowing if they used this method, but it is definitely fun to think about. (2)
Keep Reading: 3,700-Year-Old Babylonian Stone Tablet Gets Translated, Changes History


theheartysoul--2020-10-13--There Are Dimes In Circulation Worth $1.9 Million And Here’s How To Spot Them

What do you do when you pay for something in cash and then receive loose change back ?
Toss in the center console of your car ?
Drop it in the donation or tip jar at the checkout ?
Lose it almost immediately ?
From now on , you may want to look a little harder .
There are currently dimes in circulation that can earn you almost two million dollars .
Here ’ s how to spot one of these million dollar dimes .
According to Coin Values , there are some dimes in circulation in the United States @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 1.9 million .
This dime is the 1894-S Barber Dime , of which there are nine in existence and two still in circulation .
( 1 ) San Francisco mint superintendent John Daggett had 24 dimes created in 1894 to give as gifts for friends .
Three of those dimes he gave to his young daughter , instructing her to save them .
Of course , as many children would , she instead went out and immediately spent one on a dish of ice cream .
( 1 ) There are other Barber @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from $ 26 to $ 600 .
( 1 ) Advertisement Read : Doctors Found Over $ 64,000 of Jewelry in Woman ’ s Stomach Though the 1894-S Barber Dime is the most valuable in the United States , there are other dimes that are worth a pretty penny as well .
( 2 ) These include ( 2 ) : What to do if you Find a Million Dollar Dime or Coin If you think you have one of the million dollar dimes or any other coin that might be worth much @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , you will want to take it to an appraiser .
They can tell you how much the dime is worth , but also how about its history and creation .
( 1 ) Finders beware , however : If you do happen upon a coin that ’ s worth a lot of money , the IRS will tax you on it .
Time to bust open that loose change jar and see if you ’ ve got a million dollar dime inside , or at the very least maybe it will be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ items in cash .
Keep Reading : Man Keeps Rock For Years , Hoping It ’ s Gold .
It Turned Out to Be Far More Valuable

What do you do when you pay for something in cash and then receive loose change back? Toss in the center console of your car? Drop it in the donation or tip jar at the checkout? Lose it almost immediately? From now on, you may want to look a little harder. There are currently dimes in circulation that can earn you almost two million dollars. Here’s how to spot one of these million dollar dimes.
How to Spot a Million Dollar Dime
According to Coin Values, there are some dimes in circulation in the United States that could be worth up to $1.9 million. This dime is the 1894-S Barber Dime, of which there are nine in existence and two still in circulation. (1)
The 1894-S Barber Million Dollar Dime
San Francisco mint superintendent John Daggett had 24 dimes created in 1894 to give as gifts for friends. Three of those dimes he gave to his young daughter, instructing her to save them. Of course, as many children would, she instead went out and immediately spent one on a dish of ice cream. (1)
There are other Barber dimes as well that range in worth from $26 to $600. (1)
Read: Poor Fisherman Finds Extremely Rare Pearl Worth $330,000 While Searching for Food
Other Valuable Dimes
Though the 1894-S Barber Dime is the most valuable in the United States, there are other dimes that are worth a pretty penny as well. (2) These include (2):
1829 curl base “2” Liberty Cap Dime: $7,750 1968-S, no-S proof Roosevelt Dime: $7,500 1874-CC Liberty Seated Dime: $5,000 1797 Draped Bust Dime: $3,000 1796 Draped Bust Dime: $2,850 1804 Draped Bust Dime: $2,650 1798/97 Draped Bust Dime with 13 stars: $2,150 1871-CC Liberty Seated Dime: $2,000 1802 Draped Bust Dime: $1,750 1873-CC Liberty Seated Dime: $1,350 1970-S, no-S proof Roosevelt Dime: $1,300 1822 Liberty Cap Dime: $1,000 1798 small 8: $975 1916-D Mercury Dime: $785 1798/97 16 stars: $775 1801 Draped Bust Dime: $750 1798 large 8: $725 1800 Draped Bust Dime: $700 1803 Draped Bust Dime: $675 1872-CC Liberty Seated Dime: $650 1805 Draped Bust Dime: $625 1807 Draped Bust Dime: $575 1885-S Liberty Seated Dime: $475 1895-O Barber Dime: $385
What to do if you Find a Million Dollar Dime or Coin
If you think you have one of the million-dollar dimes or any other coin that might be worth much more than the number on its face, you will want to take it to an appraiser. They can tell you how much the dime is worth, but also how about its history and creation. (1) Finders beware, however: If you do happen upon a coin that’s worth a lot of money, the IRS will tax you on it.
Time to bust open that loose change jar and see if you’ve got a million dollar dime inside, or at the very least maybe it will be worth it to start paying for more items in cash.
Keep Reading: Yard-Sale Bowl Revealed To Be Rare Artifact Worth Up To $500,000
Sources