theheartysoul--2020-08-27--Walmart, Other Retailers, Will Close Stores on Thanksgiving, Ending A Black Friday Tradition

A decade-long crowd-pulling tradition may have come to an end in 2020 as Walmart announced on Tuesday , July 21 , that it would close all walk-in stores nationwide on Thanksgiving Day [ 1 ] .
Since 2012 , Walmart and some other major retailers have been opening on Thanksgiving to offer huge sales and Black Friday deals to some of the largest streams of customers these companies receive in a year .
Countless items are slashed and juicy offers are put up across the country , starting on Thanksgiving Thursday in November ( which fell on the 26th this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ day .
This year , however , Walmart and its subsidiary Sam ’ s Club stores are shutting their doors on Thanksgiving .
This is to allow their workers to spend time with their families during the holiday and to avoid large crowds gathering during a pandemic .
Walmart has faced major criticism in the past for not giving its workers Thanksgiving Day off to celebrate with their families .
The day usually starts with regular hours as the store cordons off sections dedicated to the massive sales .
Staggering crowds will form @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the kickoff time , often at 6 pm .
The sales would often spill into Friday as staff and salespersons endure extensive shifts to serve the nearly endless streams of customers .
This year , however , things will be different .
CEO Furner explains that the idea was pitched to the Walmart Board in a letter from a store supervisor in Texas .
Read : Why Parents Should Spend Less Money on Toys and Take More Family Vacations E-commerce gearing up to thrive as other retailers join the wagon Walmart isn ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Friday tradition in honor of its staff and for the safety of its customers .
Ulta , Dick ’ s Sporting Goods , Kohl ’ s , Target , and Best Buy Co will also be shutting down this Thanksgiving [ 3 ] .
Market analysts estimate a boom in e-commerce as millions of consumers would ultimately rely on online shopping to snatch great deals during the holiday season .
Although major stores would be shut down for a day , Walmart says it would keep fulfillment centers open for customers to redeem @ @ @ @ @ @ @ such plans has been released by Target and Best Buy , although these companies plan to offer great deals all through the holidays , starting earlier than usual .
According to a survey of 6,812 shoppers by Fluent Projects , a 73 % increase in customers shopping online should be expected this Thanksgiving [ 4 ] .
The retailers were wise to reassure their customers that all the great deals in physical stores would be available for online shopping .
The companies have been widely praised and commended for making the novel move @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people that would have gathered for Black Friday deals despite the pandemic .
“ The last thing responsible retailers want are crowds gathering in their stores for Black Friday sales amidst the COVID-19 pandemic , ” says Mousumi Behari , digital strategy practice lead at Avionos .
“ Now is the time to utilize a planned schedule for online promotions , pushing convenient fulfillment options such as buy online , pick up in-store .
This will help take the focus away from one massive sales day while spreading out spending for customers , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tighter budget this year.
” Keep Reading : Say goodbye to cashiers : Walmart store switches to self-checkout only

A decade-long crowd-pulling tradition may have come to an end in 2020 as Walmart announced on Tuesday, July 21, that it would close all walk-in stores nationwide on Thanksgiving Day [1]. Since 2012, Walmart and some other major retailers have been opening on Thanksgiving to offer huge sales and Black Friday deals to some of the largest streams of customers these companies receive in a year. Countless items are slashed and juicy offers are put up across the country, starting on Thanksgiving Thursday in November (which fell on the 26th this year) until Friday, the next day.
This year, however, Walmart and its subsidiary Sam’s Club stores are shutting their doors on Thanksgiving. This is to allow their workers to spend time with their families during the holiday and to avoid large crowds gathering during a pandemic.
“We know this has been a trying year, and our associates have stepped up. We hope they will enjoy a special Thanksgiving Day at home with their loved ones,” said John Furner, CEO, and president of Walmart US, in a statement [2]. “We are certainly thankful to our people for all of their efforts.”
A positive change
Walmart has faced major criticism in the past for not giving its workers Thanksgiving Day off to celebrate with their families. The day usually starts with regular hours as the store cordons off sections dedicated to the massive sales. Staggering crowds will form lines out the door, waiting for the kickoff time, often at 6 pm. The sales would often spill into Friday as staff and salespersons endure extensive shifts to serve the nearly endless streams of customers.
This year, however, things will be different. CEO Furner explains that the idea was pitched to the Walmart Board in a letter from a store supervisor in Texas.
“We know holiday shopping will be different this year, and we will be managing sales events differently,” Furner wrote. “Kevin Carlyle is the People Lead at Store #475 in Round Rock, Texas. He recently wrote us and suggested that we close for Thanksgiving during this unusual year, so that our associates could spend the day with their families.”
E-commerce gearing up to thrive as other retailers join the wagon
Walmart isn’t the only store breaking the Black Friday tradition in honor of its staff and for the safety of its customers. Ulta, Dick’s Sporting Goods, Kohl’s, Target, and Best Buy Co will also be shutting down this Thanksgiving [3].
Market analysts estimate a boom in e-commerce as millions of consumers would ultimately rely on online shopping to snatch great deals during the holiday season. Although major stores would be shut down for a day, Walmart says it would keep fulfillment centers open for customers to redeem their online orders. No information on such plans has been released by Target and Best Buy, although these companies plan to offer great deals all through the holidays, starting earlier than usual.
“This season, you can count on getting extra-big savings without the extra-long lines, with plenty of opportunities to score the best deals on the hottest items both before and after November 26,” Target wrote in a statement.
According to a survey of 6,812 shoppers by Fluent Projects, a 73% increase in customers shopping online should be expected this Thanksgiving [4].
The retailers were wise to reassure their customers that all the great deals in physical stores would be available for online shopping. The companies have been widely praised and commended for making the novel move, considering the dangerously long lines of people that would have gathered for Black Friday deals despite the pandemic.
“The last thing responsible retailers want are crowds gathering in their stores for Black Friday sales amidst the COVID-19 pandemic,” says Mousumi Behari, digital strategy practice lead at Avionos. “Now is the time to utilize a planned schedule for online promotions, pushing convenient fulfillment options such as buy online, pick up in-store. This will help take the focus away from one massive sales day while spreading out spending for customers, many of whom are operating on a tighter budget this year.”
Keep Reading: Say goodbye to cashiers: Walmart store switches to self-checkout only


theheartysoul--2020-08-27--These Tiny Squirrels That Look Like Pokémon Can Only Be Found On Remote Japanese Islands

Squirrels are the cutest , and even more so when they look like one of our favorite animé characters – Pokémon !
The Japanese dwarf flying squirrel , Pteromys momonga , is one of the cutest species of tiny squirrels in the world , native to Japan , and is endemic to the remote Islands of Honshu and Kyushu [ 1 ] .
They are also found in some parts of Siberia and Europe , from the Baltic Sea to the Pacific Coast .
There are over 50 known species of flying squirrels in the world , and despite what @ @ @ @ @ @ @ don ’ t actually fly .
They have fur-covered membranes that stretch from the forelimbs to the hind limbs and are spread to allow them to glide from tree to tree .
In motion , they sort of look like hanging bats [ 2 ] .
The membranes are so powerful that the squirrels may glide up to 100 meters at a time , making them incredibly elusive and undesirable to slower predators .
The Japanese flying squirrel is extremely small , with the average size of an adult ranging from 14- 20 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the exact life expectancy of this particular species is unknown , it ’ s estimated that they may live 4-5 years in the wild and up to 15 years in captivity , just like other flying squirrels .
Read : People in Quarantine Are Using Their Free Time to Crochet Tiny Couches for Their Cats The Japanese flying squirrel is a highly nocturnal arboreal species that live in trees and only comes down to hunt for food .
Outside the mating season , which occurs twice a year for this species , same-sex @ @ @ @ @ @ @ holes , where newborns are nested with their mothers .
Just like other rodents , their behavior is generally erratic and communication modes are quite difficult to decipher .
During the mating seasons from May to July , mixed groups form in the trees and may stick together or disperse at the end of the baby-making activities .
The females lay about 2-3 kits in one pregnancy which typically lasts four weeks .
The babies stay with their mothers until they are about 6 weeks old and can fend for themselves .
It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ parental care , but they most likely hunt for food for their mates .
These squirrels do not hibernate , although they have been found to sleep several days at a time during the winter .
I think we can all relate .
Read : Man Builds Wife ’ s Chickens a Mini “ Coop Town ” And it ’ s The Cutest Thing Ever When it comes to food choices , Japanese flying squirrels are your typical neighborhood nut lovers with an all-encompassing herbivore diet ( frugivores , granivores , and lignivorous @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fruits , pine seeds , tree barks , other “ wooden supplements ” , and occasionally insects .
The Japanese dwarf flying squirrels do not have tails as long as their distant cousins due to their incredibly small body size .
However , they still manage to wind their short furry tails around branches while eating upside down .
They use the tails to support themselves as they reach out to pluck fruits , nuts , carve tree barks , and whatever else is available .
On the IUCN red list , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Least Concern ” , which implies that they are relatively widespread in their natural habitats and do not face any serious survival threats .
However , as is usually the case with rodents and tiny animals , it is nearly impossible to estimate their actual populations at any given time .
Keep Reading : Man Builds An Adorably Tiny Picnic Table For Squirrels In His Yard

These Tiny Squirrels That Look Like Pokémon Can Only Be Found On Remote Japanese Islands
Squirrels are the cutest, and even more so when they look like one of our favorite animé characters – Pokémon! The Japanese dwarf flying squirrel, Pteromys momonga, is one of the cutest species of tiny squirrels in the world, native to Japan, and is endemic to the remote Islands of Honshu and Kyushu [1]. They are also found in some parts of Siberia and Europe, from the Baltic Sea to the Pacific Coast.
There are over 50 known species of flying squirrels in the world, and despite what the name implies, these little guys don’t actually fly. They have fur-covered membranes that stretch from the forelimbs to the hind limbs and are spread to allow them to glide from tree to tree. In motion, they sort of look like hanging bats [2]. The membranes are so powerful that the squirrels may glide up to 100 meters at a time, making them incredibly elusive and undesirable to slower predators.
The Japanese flying squirrel is extremely small, with the average size of an adult ranging from 14- 20 cm, weighing about 150-220g. While the exact life expectancy of this particular species is unknown, it’s estimated that they may live 4-5 years in the wild and up to 15 years in captivity, just like other flying squirrels.
Read: People in Quarantine Are Using Their Free Time to Crochet Tiny Couches for Their Cats
Behavior and reproduction
The Japanese flying squirrel is a highly nocturnal arboreal species that live in trees and only comes down to hunt for food. Outside the mating season, which occurs twice a year for this species, same-sex squirrels can share the same trees and holes, where newborns are nested with their mothers. Just like other rodents, their behavior is generally erratic and communication modes are quite difficult to decipher.
During the mating seasons from May to July, mixed groups form in the trees and may stick together or disperse at the end of the baby-making activities. The females lay about 2-3 kits in one pregnancy which typically lasts four weeks. The babies stay with their mothers until they are about 6 weeks old and can fend for themselves.
It is uncertain whether the males participate in parental care, but they most likely hunt for food for their mates.
These squirrels do not hibernate, although they have been found to sleep several days at a time during the winter. I think we can all relate.
Feeding and conservation
When it comes to food choices, Japanese flying squirrels are your typical neighborhood nut lovers with an all-encompassing herbivore diet (frugivores, granivores, and lignivorous). Their favorites include nuts, fruits, pine seeds, tree barks, other “wooden supplements”, and occasionally insects.
The Japanese dwarf flying squirrels do not have tails as long as their distant cousins due to their incredibly small body size. However, they still manage to wind their short furry tails around branches while eating upside down. They use the tails to support themselves as they reach out to pluck fruits, nuts, carve tree barks, and whatever else is available.
On the IUCN red list, the Japanese flying squirrel is classified as “Least Concern”, which implies that they are relatively widespread in their natural habitats and do not face any serious survival threats. However, as is usually the case with rodents and tiny animals, it is nearly impossible to estimate their actual populations at any given time.
Keep Reading: Man Builds An Adorably Tiny Picnic Table For Squirrels In His Yard


theheartysoul--2020-08-27--The Montezuma Castle – The Incredible Stone Dwelling Built Almost a Millennium Ago Is Still Intact

Located in Camp Verde about 20 miles southeast of the Tuzigoot , is the Montezuma Castle National Monument , one of the many delights of the State of Arizona .
This castle is believed to have been built between 1100 and 1425 AD , and it was used by the ancient people on Sinagua , a pre-Columbine culture that inhabited a large area of what is now central Arizona .
They were concentrated mostly in the Verde Valley where the Montezuma Castle is situated , rising as high as 90 feet above the valley floor .
The five-story , 20-room @ @ @ @ @ @ @ miles and is one of the best-preserved ancient cliff dwellings in the United States [ 1 ] .
The Montezuma Castle still stands intact today , thanks to the efforts of former President , Theodore “ Teddy ” Roosevelt , who designated the castle a national monument in December 1906 [ 2 ] .
This came after the US Congress passed the Antiquities Act of 1906 which permits Presidents to create national monuments .
Roosevelt designated four locations in total , and while this executive power has been transformed over time , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ federally protected over a hundred years ago .
The site attracted thousands of tourists every year until 1951 [ 3 ] .
The dwelling was built with mud and limestone almost a thousand years ago , and there were concerns about how much longer the building could stand with thousands of visitors stomping across the floors every day .
To ensure visitors ’ safety , people are now only allowed to watch from the ground .
While it ’ s not as cool as being inside , it ’ s still an amazing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wrongly named “ Montezuma ” after the ninth Aztec emperor of Mexico by some dwellers who were unsure of its origins .
These people came centuries after the Sinagua and assumed that such a high-rising stone castle could have only been built by the Aztec .
For some reason , the name was never changed to depict its real origins , but thankfully , history recognizes the true owners .
During the time of the Sinagua and subsequent occupants , the castle could only be accessed by a ladder that was removed once @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was intended to prevent any intruders from accessing their home .
At 90 feet from the valley floor , enemies would most likely be eliminated before they made it halfway to the top .
The castle is said to have housed about 50 people when it was first built .
Dotted with ancient irrigation ditches and what is left of underground “ pitch houses ” , the Montezuma site also houses the Montezuma Well , a huge natural limestone sinkhole supplied by an underground lake [ 4 ] .
The well is a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ another beloved site for tourism .
The well is a flooded sinkhole from which 1,500,000 gallons of water emerge from the underground lake every day .
It measures 368 feet in diameter from rim to rim and has been used as a steady and reliable source of irrigation since the early 8th century .
While you ’ ll find many species of aquatic organisms thriving inside it , the well ’ s high concentration of carbon dioxide makes it impossible for fish populations to survive in it .
For the Yavapai people , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the well is a deeply sacred site and is considered their point of origin into the world .
All it costs is $ 10 to visit the monument and you don ’ t have to pay anything else for a tour of the well .
Since it ’ s only 20 miles ( 32km ) from Montezuma , the $ 10 fee also covers a visit to the Tuzigoot National Monument .
The Montezuma Castle is located on Camp Verde Rd .
off I-17 , about 50 miles south of Flagstaff , Arizona @ @ @ @ @ @ @ information center at the entrance that ’ s open every day of the year from 8 am to 5 pm .
Don ’ t forget to bring plenty of water , some snacks , and a great camera .
You ’ d want to get the best pictures .
Remember , you won ’ t be allowed to tour the interior of the castle , but it would be worth the trip to stand outside and stare at a thousand-year-old monument , evidence of an era when people worked with their bare hands @ @ @ @ @ @ @ life .
Keep Reading : Ireland is Creating the Largest Grove of Redwoods Outside of California

Located in Camp Verde about 20 miles southeast of the Tuzigoot, is the Montezuma Castle National Monument, one of the many delights of the State of Arizona. This castle is believed to have been built between 1100 and 1425 AD, and it was used by the ancient people on Sinagua, a pre-Columbine culture that inhabited a large area of what is now central Arizona. They were concentrated mostly in the Verde Valley where the Montezuma Castle is situated, rising as high as 90 feet above the valley floor. The five-story, 20-room building spans an area of 1.3 square miles and is one of the best-preserved ancient cliff dwellings in the United States [1].
The Montezuma Castle still stands intact today, thanks to the efforts of former President, Theodore “Teddy” Roosevelt, who designated the castle a national monument in December 1906 [2]. This came after the US Congress passed the Antiquities Act of 1906 which permits Presidents to create national monuments. Roosevelt designated four locations in total, and while this executive power has been transformed over time, the Montezuma is well-preserved today because it became federally protected over a hundred years ago.
The site attracted thousands of tourists every year until 1951 [3]. The dwelling was built with mud and limestone almost a thousand years ago, and there were concerns about how much longer the building could stand with thousands of visitors stomping across the floors every day. To ensure visitors’ safety, people are now only allowed to watch from the ground. While it’s not as cool as being inside, it’s still an amazing spectacle to behold.
A stunning edifice
The castle was wrongly named “Montezuma” after the ninth Aztec emperor of Mexico by some dwellers who were unsure of its origins. These people came centuries after the Sinagua and assumed that such a high-rising stone castle could have only been built by the Aztec. For some reason, the name was never changed to depict its real origins, but thankfully, history recognizes the true owners.
During the time of the Sinagua and subsequent occupants, the castle could only be accessed by a ladder that was removed once friendlies got to the top. This was intended to prevent any intruders from accessing their home. At 90 feet from the valley floor, enemies would most likely be eliminated before they made it halfway to the top. The castle is said to have housed about 50 people when it was first built.
Dotted with ancient irrigation ditches and what is left of underground “pitch houses”, the Montezuma site also houses the Montezuma Well, a huge natural limestone sinkhole supplied by an underground lake [4]. The well is a detached unit from the castle and is another beloved site for tourism. The well is a flooded sinkhole from which 1,500,000 gallons of water emerge from the underground lake every day.
It measures 368 feet in diameter from rim to rim and has been used as a steady and reliable source of irrigation since the early 8th century. While you’ll find many species of aquatic organisms thriving inside it, the well’s high concentration of carbon dioxide makes it impossible for fish populations to survive in it. For the Yavapai people, a Native American tribe of Arizona, the well is a deeply sacred site and is considered their point of origin into the world.
Visiting the Montezuma Castle
All it costs is $10 to visit the monument and you don’t have to pay anything else for a tour of the well. Since it’s only 20 miles (32km) from Montezuma, the $10 fee also covers a visit to the Tuzigoot National Monument. The Montezuma Castle is located on Camp Verde Rd. off I-17, about 50 miles south of Flagstaff, Arizona. You’ll find a small information center at the entrance that’s open every day of the year from 8 am to 5 pm. Don’t forget to bring plenty of water, some snacks, and a great camera. You’d want to get the best pictures.
Remember, you won’t be allowed to tour the interior of the castle, but it would be worth the trip to stand outside and stare at a thousand-year-old monument, evidence of an era when people worked with their bare hands to bring the most incredible imaginations to life.
Keep Reading: Ireland is Creating the Largest Grove of Redwoods Outside of California


theheartysoul--2020-08-27--Teenagers Are Dressing Up As Elderly People In Face Masks To Fool Shops Into Selling Them Alcohol

In the wake of a pandemic affecting millions of lives and leaving many others economically vulnerable , some teenagers on TikTok have decided to take advantage of the situation by dressing up as senior citizens to illegally purchase alcohol [ 1 ] .
In nearly every country across the world , face masks have become an important public health measure .
People across all age brackets are required to wear face masks outside of their home and in public places such as stores , banks , restaurants , and hospitals , while still maintaining social distancing .
While face masks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the spread of the virus , a particular group of people has found another use for them .
Although the drinking age in the U.S. is 21 years , some American teens since July have taken to purchasing liquor by disguising as elderly citizens .
They are not just wearing fabric masks over their noses and mouths .
Some are using synthetic costume masks that go over the head to mask their youthful complexions while covering the stiff mouth area with surgical masks .
They are powdering their hair , wearing wigs , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and wearing elderly people ’ s shoes to pull off their stunts .
The social media age where everything is a potential for going viral Of course , videos of kids executing their tricks have gone viral on TikTok and are currently spilling onto Instagram .
One 18-year-old girl said she put white baby powder in her hair to make it gray , and while wearing an elderly woman ’ s clothes and a matronly scarf , she walked into a liquor store with her heart pumping full of adrenaline .
When @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a bottle of alcohol and “ shaking from excitement ” , the girl said she would have lied that her ID was in the car if anyone had asked .
However , it ’ s highly unlikely that any liquor store attendant would ask an elderly person for an ID .
In another viral video , a second girl whose age is unknown can be seen dancing around in a room with her friends before putting on her prank outfits .
Her friends recorded from a distance as she walked into the store @ @ @ @ @ @ @ walked out , limping in an elderly person ’ s gait .
She can also be seen pulling off the costume mask with white hair attached as she dances excitedly into the camera .
One girl also put on gloves that would normally pass off a hygienic appearance even though she was only hiding her youthful hands .
Surprisingly , many adults on social media are not condemning the illegal acts , with many confessing they indulged in the same acts as teens .
People even found the girls ’ actions creative and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ geniuses ” .
However , many condemned the teenagers ’ trivialization of a serious situation .
The kids would most likely not control their alcohol consumption and might end up putting their health at risk [ 2 ] .
They may not be well-versed in the painful reality of drunken accidents and DUIs .
Also , it ’ s illegal to purchase alcohol under the age of 21 and some may say it is immoral to dress up as elderly persons for these reasons .
Parents and guardians should consider having a chat @ @ @ @ @ @ @ me they weren ’ t angels when they were young either .
Were these stunts hilarious or just disrespectful ?
You can be the judge .
Keep Reading : Dead Man Pranks His Family And Friends At His Funeral , Screams “ Let Me Out !
” From His Coffin

Teenagers Are Dressing Up As Elderly People In Face Masks To Fool Shops Into Selling Them Alcohol
In the wake of a pandemic affecting millions of lives and leaving many others economically vulnerable, some teenagers on TikTok have decided to take advantage of the situation by dressing up as senior citizens to illegally purchase alcohol [1].
In nearly every country across the world, face masks have become an important public health measure. People across all age brackets are required to wear face masks outside of their home and in public places such as stores, banks, restaurants, and hospitals, while still maintaining social distancing. While face masks have proven to be effective in controlling the spread of the virus, a particular group of people has found another use for them.
Although the drinking age in the U.S. is 21 years, some American teens since July have taken to purchasing liquor by disguising as elderly citizens. They are not just wearing fabric masks over their noses and mouths. Some are using synthetic costume masks that go over the head to mask their youthful complexions while covering the stiff mouth area with surgical masks. They are powdering their hair, wearing wigs, sporting retro-style sunglasses, walking with canes, and wearing elderly people’s shoes to pull off their stunts.
The social media age where everything is a potential for going viral
Of course, videos of kids executing their tricks have gone viral on TikTok and are currently spilling onto Instagram. One 18-year-old girl said she put white baby powder in her hair to make it gray, and while wearing an elderly woman’s clothes and a matronly scarf, she walked into a liquor store with her heart pumping full of adrenaline.
When she walks out of the store holding a bottle of alcohol and “shaking from excitement”, the girl said she would have lied that her ID was in the car if anyone had asked. However, it’s highly unlikely that any liquor store attendant would ask an elderly person for an ID.
In another viral video, a second girl whose age is unknown can be seen dancing around in a room with her friends before putting on her prank outfits. Her friends recorded from a distance as she walked into the store, pulled four packs of booze and walked out, limping in an elderly person’s gait. She can also be seen pulling off the costume mask with white hair attached as she dances excitedly into the camera.
One girl also put on gloves that would normally pass off a hygienic appearance even though she was only hiding her youthful hands.
Surprisingly, many adults on social media are not condemning the illegal acts, with many confessing they indulged in the same acts as teens. People even found the girls’ actions creative and innovative, with some tagging them “geniuses”.
One of the shocking comments read: “These are getting all the more legit looking and I’m here for it.”
Another person wrote: “Omggg if I was in high school with this kind of innovation I could not be stopped!!’
A mom on Facebook wrote. “We were doing this 20 years ago. My friend with short curly hair thought it would be cool to dye her hair silver but wound up looking like she just had grey hair. No one carded her after that .”
However, many condemned the teenagers’ trivialization of a serious situation. The kids would most likely not control their alcohol consumption and might end up putting their health at risk [2]. They may not be well-versed in the painful reality of drunken accidents and DUIs. Also, it’s illegal to purchase alcohol under the age of 21 and some may say it is immoral to dress up as elderly persons for these reasons.
An elderly lady on Facebook wrote: “With a bit of luck, they might get alcoholic poisoning, then they will know how clever they really are? NOT!”
Another commented: “Generation of stupid right there!”
Parents and guardians should consider having a chat with their children, but something tells me they weren’t angels when they were young either. Were these stunts hilarious or just disrespectful? You can be the judge.


theheartysoul--2020-08-27--8 Amazing Sacrifices Parents Make To Give Their Children A Better Life

The parent-child relationship is not necessarily a sacred or constitutional one .
It ’ s a bond purely set in unconditional love and endless sacrifice .
It has always been simple .
Parents give birth to children – dependent little humans who need care and support all through their childhood .
The parents make sacrifices and commit to their obligations , and it doesn ’ t stop when the child hits 18 .
They stay active as long as youth and health would allow them , and when they are finally unable to cater for themselves or pay their own @ @ @ @ @ @ @ step in to provide for them .
Sometimes , even before they become inactive , their kids are already in charge of their welfare .
Great parents do not hold anyone to obligation over their welfare .
They make sacrifices for their kids with a sense of obligation and just hope everything works out well by the time they are aged and old .
Children who appreciate their parents ’ hard work in giving them the best of what they could afford would eventually step in to care for the elderly .
This @ @ @ @ @ @ @ below are eight amazing sacrifices our parents make to keep us happy [ 1 ] .
The moment you become a parent , everything becomes a probability .
You are not even certain of how possible it is to go to work on any given day .
Kids are so unpredictable and could become sick , upset , or distraught at any point .
You could be in the middle of a meeting and receive a call from their school to come tend to your sick child .
My friend was pulled out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ daughter refused to eat the whole day .
It doesn ’ t matter how organized you ’ ve always kept your time and schedules .
With kids , just be ready for anything .
You can kiss all those long hours of soaking up the warmth in your bathtub goodbye .
Imagine getting ready to settle down with your spouse at night and a three-year-old starts banging on the door , claiming there are monsters under her bed .
Kids do not understand the concept of personal space and privacy , and if @ @ @ @ @ @ @ questions while you ’ re trying to get some work done , you have to move with the flow .
This is one of the reasons why so many people are terrified of becoming parents .
However , it only lasts in the first year or two after a new child is born .
Children do not have the same sleep-wake cycles as adults .
They are asleep when you are awake with time on our hands , but when it ’ s time for you to crash , your baby will greet @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Some parents try to fix this by taking turns so they won ’ t be completely sleep-deprived .
Single parents often have to stay up all by themselves , endlessly .
Sacrificing sleep to still get up and work the next day is one of the most amazing things parents do while raising their kids .
You often hear parents say , “ They grow up so fast ” .
Actually , time is moving normally , but when you ’ re a parent , it always seems like there ’ s never @ @ @ @ @ @ @ much time to caring for their children that it almost seems like a day is only 12 hours instead of 24 .
Between school runs , getting to work , meal times , reading time , homework time , bath time , and bedtime , parents are almost always on hyperdrive .
This is another reason why people are terrified of parenthood .
You start saving for their future the moment your child is born .
You can no longer indulge in those guilty pleasures as much as you used to because you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ You must keep a safe roof over their heads at all times , send them to good schools , afford decent health care , and have money saved away for college and vacations .
Parents are so sacrificial that even when they have extra cash to take care of themselves , they are more likely to indulge their children and drink in the sight of the happy little ones .
As a parent , you must realize that you are no longer just your own person now .
You have become a shield @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up to the task to defend and protect them .
People who are used to living within mental boundaries must step out of these limits to go above and beyond for the kids .
It ’ s more difficult for people who normally introverted people or dealing with anxiety .
You ’ d be breaking through some of the toughest chains , but it will all be worth it in the end .
You can ’ t have a perfect social life with kids .
It ’ s just not possible if you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Especially when some of your friends do not have kids of their own holding them down as well , it can be difficult to meet up and have fun like old times .
They can ’ t invite you out girls ’ /boys ’ night out because you have kids to put to sleep or an upset baby who just won ’ t release you .
Eventually , invitations stop going around and you find yourself leaguing with people who are in the same phase .
It ’ s a sad reality @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more about these things before they start happening .
We don ’ t have to become strangers because children are finally coming .
We can try to make it work .
Single life is usually characterized by a sense of responsibility only for yourself .
You can decide to do whatever you want and live as you please with little consequences .
With kids , well , every single decision has a major effect on something in the future .
The responsibility can often become overwhelming and there ’ s little reprieve from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wired to look at the bigger picture , knowing that if they stick to their duties now as parents , their kids would grow to be happy , well-adjusted , and responsible individuals .
In conclusion , parents make amazing sacrifices that words can not always quantify .
The give up decades of their lives to caring for their children , and at the very least , they deserve to know that in the future , when they are old and unable to care for themselves , they have people who will gladly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : Fed-Up Mother Writes ‘ Tough Love ’ Letter To Her 13-Year-Old Son – Parents Everywhere Applaud Her

The parent-child relationship is not necessarily a sacred or constitutional one. It’s a bond purely set in unconditional love and endless sacrifice. It has always been simple. Parents give birth to children – dependent little humans who need care and support all through their childhood. The parents make sacrifices and commit to their obligations, and it doesn’t stop when the child hits 18. They stay active as long as youth and health would allow them, and when they are finally unable to cater for themselves or pay their own bills, the children they raised would step in to provide for them. Sometimes, even before they become inactive, their kids are already in charge of their welfare.
Great parents do not hold anyone to obligation over their welfare. They make sacrifices for their kids with a sense of obligation and just hope everything works out well by the time they are aged and old. Children who appreciate their parents’ hard work in giving them the best of what they could afford would eventually step in to care for the elderly. This is how it should be, and below are eight amazing sacrifices our parents make to keep us happy.
Reliable schedules
The moment you become a parent, everything becomes a probability. You are not even certain of how possible it is to go to work on any given day. Kids are so unpredictable and could become sick, upset, or distraught at any point. You could be in the middle of a meeting and receive a call from their school to come tend to your sick child. My friend was pulled out of an examination hall once when her daughter refused to eat the whole day. It doesn’t matter how organized you’ve always kept your time and schedules. With kids, just be ready for anything.
Privacy
You can kiss all those long hours of soaking up the warmth in your bathtub goodbye. Imagine getting ready to settle down with your spouse at night and a three-year-old starts banging on the door, claiming there are monsters under her bed. Kids do not understand the concept of personal space and privacy, and if they want to slam you with endless questions while you’re trying to get some work done, you have to move with the flow.
Sleep
This is one of the reasons why so many people are terrified of becoming parents. However, it only lasts in the first year or two after a new child is born. Children do not have the same sleep-wake cycles as adults. They are asleep when you are awake with time on our hands, but when it’s time for you to crash, your baby will greet you good morning in cry language. Some parents try to fix this by taking turns so they won’t be completely sleep-deprived. Single parents often have to stay up all by themselves, endlessly. Sacrificing sleep to still get up and work the next day is one of the most amazing things parents do while raising their kids.
Time
You often hear parents say, “They grow up so fast”. Actually, time is moving normally, but when you’re a parent, it always seems like there’s never enough of it. Parents devote so much time to caring for their children that it almost seems like a day is only 12 hours instead of 24. Between school runs, getting to work, meal times, reading time, homework time, bath time, and bedtime, parents are almost always on hyperdrive.
Personal desires
This is another reason why people are terrified of parenthood. You start saving for their future the moment your child is born. You can no longer indulge in those guilty pleasures as much as you used to because you have kids depending on you now. You must keep a safe roof over their heads at all times, send them to good schools, afford decent health care, and have money saved away for college and vacations. Parents are so sacrificial that even when they have extra cash to take care of themselves, they are more likely to indulge their children and drink in the sight of the happy little ones.
Comfort zones
As a parent, you must realize that you are no longer just your own person now. You have become a shield for someone else and you must stand up to the task to defend and protect them. People who are used to living within mental boundaries must step out of these limits to go above and beyond for the kids. It’s more difficult for people who normally introverted people or dealing with anxiety. You’d be breaking through some of the toughest chains, but it will all be worth it in the end.
Friends
You can’t have a perfect social life with kids. It’s just not possible if you really want to be a hands-on parent. Especially when some of your friends do not have kids of their own holding them down as well, it can be difficult to meet up and have fun like old times. They can’t invite you out girls’/boys’ night out because you have kids to put to sleep or an upset baby who just won’t release you. Eventually, invitations stop going around and you find yourself leaguing with people who are in the same phase.
It’s a sad reality that can be avoided if friends talk more about these things before they start happening. We don’t have to become strangers because children are finally coming. We can try to make it work.
Peace of mind
Single life is usually characterized by a sense of responsibility only for yourself. You can decide to do whatever you want and live as you please with little consequences. With kids, well, every single decision has a major effect on something in the future. The responsibility can often become overwhelming and there’s little reprieve from your obligations. However, parents are wired to look at the bigger picture, knowing that if they stick to their duties now as parents, their kids would grow to be happy, well-adjusted, and responsible individuals.
In conclusion, parents make amazing sacrifices that words cannot always quantify. The give up decades of their lives to caring for their children, and at the very least, they deserve to know that in the future, when they are old and unable to care for themselves, they have people who will gladly come through for them.
Keep Reading: Fed-Up Mother Writes ‘Tough Love’ Letter To Her 13-Year-Old Son – Parents Everywhere Applaud Her


theheartysoul--2020-08-26--Topless and proud of it: Woman embraces life after double mastectomy

About one in eight US women will develop invasive breast cancer during her lifetime .
It is estimated that in 2020 , 276 480 women will be diagnosed with invasive breast cancer , and another 48 530 will be diagnosed with non-invasive breast cancer [ 1 ] .
Breast cancer can be treated with chemotherapy and radiation therapy , hormonal therapy , biological therapy , or surgery .
Most commonly it is treated with surgery or a combination of therapies [ 2 ] .
When Christina Belding found out that she had breast cancer in her right breast , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mastectomy , and today she walks around proudly- with a completely flat chest .
Belding first noticed a lump in her right breast while doing a self-examination , which was missed during a mammogram .
On the day before her fifty-second birthday , she had a double mastectomy , opting for an “ esthetic flat closure ” , a procedure in which the surgeon creates a smooth , flat chest with no excess fat or skin .
She decided to have both breasts removed as a safety measure , and while many women @ @ @ @ @ @ @ she opted to go without because it would have involved more surgeries and more risks from complications and implants .
Belding decided that the risks involved with reconstructive surgery were not worth having breasts that had no feeling and serve no purpose outside of “ looking fine in a shirt ” .
Belding rejects the sexual objectification of women ’ s bodies in society , and believes she looks better without her breasts .
Her flat chest , at the very least , makes enjoying sports like rowing easier .
Read : After @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Researcher Taught Our Immune Systems To Fight Back Belding has always enjoyed going to the beach near her home , and she continues to enjoy it just as much , only now she goes topless .
She proudly bares her two twenty-centimeter scars , which she carefully protects with sunblock , that remind her of cancer ’ s silver lining .
Belding speaks candidly about her “ past life ” with breasts , saying that her breasts had already had a “ good time ” , and more than enough fun .
Today @ @ @ @ @ @ @ chest on her Instagram page , hoping to spread the word about esthetic flat closure .
She does receive some attention because of her appearance , particularly from children , and she hopes that seeing her will get kids asking questions and help to start conversations at home about cancer .
Despite her confidence , she does get annoyed when people ask her if she ’ s going to have reconstructive surgery , or if she thinks she would feel better if she had boobs again .
She did have one memorable experience @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the beach and commented on how brave she was to be walking around , because his own wife had died from breast cancer and he wished she had been more aggressive and opted for surgery rather than other treatments .
Read : Researchers say blood test can detect cancer years before symptoms As Belding said , the reason she decided to forgo reconstructive surgery was because in her mind , the risks outweighed the potential benefits .
After going through cancer treatment , health was more important to her than anything else , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ surgeries as the “ healthy ” option .
There are several risks associated with reconstructive breast surgery , and it is important that you consider all of them before deciding to go ahead with the procedure .
The most common form of breast reconstructive surgery are implants , which involve using a rubberized silicone filled with saline or silicone gel .
Complications associated with this procedure include internal scarring , risk of rupture or infection , or a hematoma , which is an accumulation of blood around the implant .
If a patient @ @ @ @ @ @ @ even greater [ 4 ] .
There are 2 Main Types of Breast Reconstruction : 1 .
Implant reconstruction surgery can take up to twelve weeks to complete , followed by a significant amount of recovery time afterward .
This is another consideration for someone who has already undergone extensive surgeries and treatments for the cancer itself .
2 .
Autologous tissue reconstruction involves taking tissue from another part of the body and using it to create a new breast .
This is a much more complicated process and longer procedure than implant @ @ @ @ @ @ @ longer hospital stay and recovery time .
Complications with this procedure include scarring , muscle weakness , or infection at the donor site [ 4 ] .
A Woman- With or Without Breasts Belding understands that choosing to have a double mastectomy does not guarantee that she ’ ll beat cancer , and that opting for an esthetic flat closure is not necessarily the best choice for everyone , but she wants women to know that they don ’ t have to be scared of surgery .
Currently , Belding is taking oral @ @ @ @ @ @ @ recurrence , but is feeling good for now .
For the most part , she says , cancer simply feels like a bump in the road .
Keep Reading : What Causes Cancer ?
18 Ways to Reduce Your Risk

About one in eight US women will develop invasive breast cancer during her lifetime. It is estimated that in 2020, 276 480 women will be diagnosed with invasive breast cancer, and another 48 530 will be diagnosed with non-invasive breast cancer [1]. Breast cancer can be treated with chemotherapy and radiation therapy, hormonal therapy, biological therapy, or surgery. Most commonly it is treated with surgery or a combination of therapies [2].When Christina Belding found out that she had breast cancer in her right breast, the Canadian woman opted to have a double mastectomy, and today she walks around proudly- with a completely flat chest.
Christina Belding’s Double Mastectomy
Belding first noticed a lump in her right breast while doing a self-examination, which was missed during a mammogram. On the day before her fifty-second birthday, she had a double mastectomy, opting for an “esthetic flat closure”, a procedure in which the surgeon creates a smooth, flat chest with no excess fat or skin.
She decided to have both breasts removed as a safety measure, and while many women choose to have breast reconstruction surgery, she opted to go without because it would have involved more surgeries and more risks from complications and implants.
“The boobs took early retirement. I’m glad they’re gone because I feel safer,” she said [3].
Belding decided that the risks involved with reconstructive surgery were not worth having breasts that had no feeling and serve no purpose outside of “looking fine in a shirt”. Belding rejects the sexual objectification of women’s bodies in society, and believes she looks better without her breasts. Her flat chest, at the very least, makes enjoying sports like rowing easier.
Flat and Proud
Belding has always enjoyed going to the beach near her home, and she continues to enjoy it just as much, only now she goes topless. She proudly bares her two twenty-centimeter scars, which she carefully protects with sunblock, that remind her of cancer’s silver lining.
“I’ve always felt fortunate with even all the traumatic things and the adversity that’s happened to my life, I see myself as a survivor,” she said [3].
Belding speaks candidly about her “past life” with breasts, saying that her breasts had already had a “good time”, and more than enough fun.
“I’d sooner have a flat start than trying to reinvent the past with boobs.” [3]
Today, Belding shares photos of her flat chest on her Instagram page, hoping to spread the word about esthetic flat closure. She does receive some attention because of her appearance, particularly from children, and she hopes that seeing her will get kids asking questions and help to start conversations at home about cancer.
Despite her confidence, she does get annoyed when people ask her if she’s going to have reconstructive surgery, or if she thinks she would feel better if she had boobs again.
“They don’t ask, ‘Hey, was it scary having cancer? Are you worried you’re going to die?” [3]
She did have one memorable experience, when a man approached her on the beach and commented on how brave she was to be walking around, because his own wife had died from breast cancer and he wished she had been more aggressive and opted for surgery rather than other treatments.
Risks of Reconstructive Surgery
As Belding said, the reason she decided to forgo reconstructive surgery was because in her mind, the risks outweighed the potential benefits. After going through cancer treatment, health was more important to her than anything else, and she didn’t see additional surgeries as the “healthy” option.
There are several risks associated with reconstructive breast surgery, and it is important that you consider all of them before deciding to go ahead with the procedure. The most common form of breast reconstructive surgery are implants, which involve using a rubberized silicone filled with saline or silicone gel.
Complications associated with this procedure include internal scarring, risk of rupture or infection, or a hematoma, which is an accumulation of blood around the implant. If a patient requires radiation treatment, these risks are even greater [4].
There are 2 Main Types of Breast Reconstruction:
1. Implant reconstruction surgery can take up to twelve weeks to complete, followed by a significant amount of recovery time afterward. This is another consideration for someone who has already undergone extensive surgeries and treatments for the cancer itself.
2. Autologous tissue reconstruction involves taking tissue from another part of the body and using it to create a new breast. This is a much more complicated process and longer procedure than implant surgery, and thus requires a significantly longer hospital stay and recovery time. Complications with this procedure include scarring, muscle weakness, or infection at the donor site [4].
A Woman- With or Without Breasts
Belding understands that choosing to have a double mastectomy does not guarantee that she’ll beat cancer, and that opting for an esthetic flat closure is not necessarily the best choice for everyone, but she wants women to know that they don’t have to be scared of surgery.
“It doesn’t need to be scary, and it shouldn’t. Having breasts shouldn’t … define who you are as a woman,” she said [3].
Currently, Belding is taking oral chemotherapy drugs to reduce the chances of recurrence, but is feeling good for now. For the most part, she says, cancer simply feels like a bump in the road.
Keep Reading: This one photo of lemons is helping women detect breast cancer
Sources


theheartysoul--2020-08-29--The Farmer’s Almanac Predicts Warmer Temps And Fewer Snowstorms This Winter

Most of us in the Northern Hemisphere are still experiencing warm , sunny , summer days .
However , this is the time of year when we all start about to think about what ’ s looming just around the corner : Winter .
The Old Farmer ’ s Almanac 2020 , however , is telling us that this year in the U.S. we maybe don ’ t have as much to fear as we are thinking .
The Old Farmer ’ s Almanac 2020-2021 winter prediction is out , and it ’ s… not that bad !
They are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of us are used to .
( 1 ) This is what they had to say on their live 2021 Winter Weather Forecast on August 18 : “ For the United States , we predict that recent warming trends will dominate in the eastern and northern parts of the United States in the coming winter , with below-normal average temperatures limited to the western portion of the nation…Most of Canada will have a cold and snowy winter .
However , rising temperature trends mean that the winter will not bring extreme cold ; @ @ @ @ @ @ @ normal.
” ( 1 ) Of course , the forecast will vary depending on where in the country you live in .
The details are as follows ( 1 ) : • The coldest temperatures will occur in northeastern New England and the western states .
• The majority of the country will experience wet precipitation rather than snow .
• Some states will experience a higher snowfall rate .
These include : Depending on where you are , this winter is either going to be perfect for outdoor winter activities or it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the rainboots .
Read : Upcoming Meteor Showers In 2020 You Just Can ’ t Miss How Accurate is the Farmer ’ s Almanac ?
The Old Farmer ’ s Almanac claims to have 80 % accuracy when predicting the weather .
The most recent study done to test this claim was published in the Weatherwise journal in 1981 .
In their study , they found the Almanac to have an accuracy that was closer to 52 % .
( 3,4 ) Accurate or not , there are a few things we know @ @ @ @ @ @ @ still summer and there is plenty of warm , sunny weather left .
• Fall comes before winter , which will also have some lovely days .
• Like it or not , winter will be colder and longer than most of us would prefer .
For now , let ’ s all just enjoy the rest of summer and look forward to the crisp fall days ahead .
Lastly , a positive outlook on winter will go a long way when we ’ re in the middle of it .
Keep Reading @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Healing , Bringing Some Good News on Global Wind Movement

Most of us in the Northern Hemisphere are still experiencing warm, sunny, summer days. However, this is the time of year when we all start about to think about what’s looming just around the corner: Winter. The Old Farmer’s Almanac 2020, however, is telling us that this year in the U.S. we maybe don’t have as much to fear as we are thinking.
Old Farmer’s Almanac 2020-2021 Winter Prediction
The Old Farmer’s Almanac 2020-2021 winter prediction is out, and it’s… not that bad! They are predicting a less harsh winter than many of us are used to. (1) This is what they had to say on their live 2021 Winter Weather Forecast on August 18:
“For the United States, we predict that recent warming trends will dominate in the eastern and northern parts of the United States in the coming winter, with below-normal average temperatures limited to the western portion of the nation…Most of Canada will have a cold and snowy winter. However, rising temperature trends mean that the winter will not bring extreme cold; instead, it will be closer to normal.” (1)
Of course, the forecast will vary depending on where in the country you live in. The details are as follows (1):
The coldest temperatures will occur in northeastern New England and the western states.
The majority of the country will experience wet precipitation rather than snow.
Some states will experience a higher snowfall rate. These include: The Northeast Wisconsin Upper Michigan The High Plains Northern Alaska
Depending on where you are, this winter is either going to be perfect for outdoor winter activities or it is going to be the winter of the rainboots.
Read: Upcoming Meteor Showers In 2020 You Just Can’t Miss
How Accurate is the Farmer’s Almanac?
The Old Farmer’s Almanac claims to have 80% accuracy when predicting the weather. The most recent study done to test this claim was published in the Weatherwise journal in 1981. In their study, they found the Almanac to have an accuracy that was closer to 52%. (3,4)
Accurate or not, there are a few things we know for sure:
It’s still summer and there is plenty of warm, sunny weather left. Fall comes before winter, which will also have some lovely days. Like it or not, winter will be colder and longer than most of us would prefer.
For now, let’s all just enjoy the rest of summer and look forward to the crisp fall days ahead. Lastly, a positive outlook on winter will go a long way when we’re in the middle of it.


theheartysoul--2020-08-28--Nano-diamond self-charging batteries could disrupt energy as we know it

Imagine a battery that provides green energy , saves taxpayers thousands of dollars , and never runs out of power .
Sounds pretty great , right ?
With the newly created nano-diamond batteries , this could be a sooner possibility than you may think .
California-based company NDB has created nano-diamond batteries that they say will change the energy industry as we know it .
These batteries , which act like tiny nuclear generators , can be used in everything from your cellphone to electric cars and even spaceships .
( 1 ) According to NBD , their nano-diamond batteries @ @ @ @ @ @ @ long-lasting , not needing a charge for anywhere between 10 and 28,000 years .
• Be nearly indestructible , making them safe in the case of an electric car crash .
• Be less expensive in certain applications ( such as electric cars ) than lithium-ion batteries .
In the very center of each battery cell , there is a small bit of recycled nuclear waste .
( 1 ) This is high-grade nuclear waste that is highly dangerous , expensive , and difficult to store , and takes anywhere from a few @ @ @ @ @ @ @ harmless .
( 2 ) NDB uses graphite nuclear reactor parts that have become radioactive after absorbing radiation from nuclear fuel rods .
This graphite is high in the carbon-14 radioisotope , which releases an anti-neutrino and a beta decay electron as it breaks down into nitrogen .
NDB purifies that graphite and turns it into tiny carbon-14 diamonds .
( 1 ) These little diamonds are semiconductors that collect charge and then send it back out .
To keep these batteries 100 % safe , they have encased the radioactive diamond with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
This man-made diamond ( 1 ) : All of these are to make it a durable , safe battery that can be used in nearly every medium that requires one .
( 1 ) How the Batteries are Made The battery cells are made of ( 1 ) : • Several layers of the nano-diamond material The supercapacitor collects , stores , and distributes the charge .
The battery can be any shape and fit with any standard : AA , AAA , 18650 , 2170 , and more .
( 1 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that ( 1 ) : • Is in the shape of any battery • Cost-competitive and sometimes cheaper than lithium-ion batteries • Uses up dangerous nuclear waste and saves money on its storage Some of the suppliers of nuclear waste are even offering to pay NDB to take the waste from their plant .
( 1 ) It ’ s Still Nuclear Power , So Is It Dangerous ?
In short : No .
NDB says that the radiation levels from the cell are less than those produced by our own bodies .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ using up the nuclear waste that otherwise would have had to have been stored , which is costly , dangerous , and is a risk for a nuclear waste leak .
( 1 ) UNESCO chair Dr. John Shawe-Taylor of University College London has nothing but positive things to say about the nano-diamond batteries : “ NDB has the potential to solve the major global issue of carbon emissions in one stroke without the expensive infrastructure projects , energy transportation costs , or negative environmental impacts associated with alternate solutions such as carbon @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hydroelectric plants , turbines , or nuclear power stations .
Their technology ’ s ability to deliver energy over very long periods of time without the need for recharging , refueling , or servicing puts them in an ideal position to tackle the world ’ s energy requirements through a distributed solution with close to zero environmental impact and energy transportation costs.
” ( 1 ) Read : Planned Obsolescence : The Products You Buy are Designed to Break Where Can Nano-Diamond Batteries Be Used ?
The better question is where can ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have many applications , including ( 1 ) : NDB plans to partner with some of its business customers to help provide the technology for remote communities in need .
In the case of us running out of the necessary nuclear waste , which would take an extremely long time , the company says that they have an easy and inexpensive method to make their own carbon-14 raw material .
( 1 ) When Will It Be Available ?
NDB says that they already have a completed concept proof and are waiting on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their commercial prototype .
They expect to release a low-powered version in two years and another high-powered one in the next five .
( 1 ) If it succeeds , it has the potential to change the way we power our world forever .
Keep Reading : This Solar-Powered RV Runs Without Fuel Or Charging Stations

Imagine a battery that provides green energy, saves taxpayers thousands of dollars, and never runs out of power. Sounds pretty great, right? These newly created radioactive diamond batteries could just be what we’ve been waiting for.
Nano-Diamond Batteries
California-based company NDB has created radioactive-diamond batteries that they say will change the energy industry as we know it. These batteries, which act like tiny nuclear generators, can be used in everything from your cellphone to electric cars and even spaceships. (1) According to NBD, their nano-diamond batteries will (1):
Be long-lasting, not needing a charge for anywhere between 10 and 28,000 years.
Offer a higher power-density than lithium-ion batteries.
Be nearly indestructible, making them safe in the case of an electric car crash.
Be less expensive in certain applications (such as electric cars) than lithium-ion batteries.
How Nano-Diamond Batteries Work
In the very center of each battery cell, there is a small bit of recycled nuclear waste. (1) This is high-grade nuclear waste that is highly dangerous, expensive, and difficult to store, and takes anywhere from a few decades to thousands of years to become harmless. (2)
NDB uses graphite nuclear reactor parts that have become radioactive after absorbing radiation from nuclear fuel rods. This graphite is high in the carbon-14 radioisotope, which releases an anti-neutrino and a beta decay electron as it breaks down into nitrogen. NDB purifies that graphite and turns it into tiny carbon-14 diamonds. (1)
These little diamonds are semiconductors that collect charge and then send it back out. To keep these batteries 100% safe, they have encased the radioactive diamond with an inexpensive, non-radioactive lab-created carbon-12 diamond. This man-made diamond (1):
Contains energetic particles
Acts as a protective, tamper-proof layer
Prevents radiation leaks
All of these are to make it a durable, safe battery that can be used in nearly every medium that requires one. (1)
How the Batteries are Made
The battery cells are made of (1):
Several layers of the nano-diamond material
A tiny integrated circuit board
A small supercapacitor
The supercapacitor collects, stores, and distributes the charge. The battery can be any shape and fit with any standard: AA, AAA, 18650, 2170, and more. (1)
The result is a mini-power generator that (1):
Is in the shape of any battery
Never needs charging
Cost-competitive and sometimes cheaper than lithium-ion batteries
Uses up dangerous nuclear waste and saves money on its storage
Some of the suppliers of nuclear waste are even offering to pay NDB to take the waste from their plant. (1)
It’s Still Nuclear Power, So Is It Dangerous?
In short: No. NDB says that the radiation levels from the cell are less than those produced by our own bodies. On top of that, it is using up the nuclear waste that otherwise would have had to have been stored, which is costly, dangerous, and is a risk for a nuclear waste leak. (1)
UNESCO chair Dr. John Shawe-Taylor of University College London has nothing but positive things to say about the nano-diamond batteries:
“NDB has the potential to solve the major global issue of carbon emissions in one stroke without the expensive infrastructure projects, energy transportation costs, or negative environmental impacts associated with alternate solutions such as carbon capture at fossil fuel power stations, hydroelectric plants, turbines, or nuclear power stations. Their technology’s ability to deliver energy over very long periods of time without the need for recharging, refueling, or servicing puts them in an ideal position to tackle the world’s energy requirements through a distributed solution with close to zero environmental impact and energy transportation costs.” (1)
Where Can Radioactive Diamond Batteries Be Used?
The better question is where can’t nano-diamond batteries be used? They have many applications, including (1):
Pacemakers and electronic implants
Circuit boards
Consumer electronics
Electric vehicles
Off-grid living
NDB plans to partner with some of its business customers to help provide the technology for remote communities in need. In the case of us running out of the necessary nuclear waste, which would take an extremely long time, the company says that they have an easy and inexpensive method to make their own carbon-14 raw material. (1)
When Will It Be Available?
NDB says that they already have a completed concept proof and are waiting on their labs to re-open post-coronavirus to build their commercial prototype. They expect to release a low-powered version in two years and another high-powered one in the next five. (1) If it succeeds, it has the potential to change the way we power our world forever.
Keep Reading: Scientists Develop Liquid That Can Store Solar Energy for Almost Two Decades
Sources


theheartysoul--2020-09-01--Tennessee’s Treetop Skywalk is the Longest Tree-Based Bridge in North America!

Are you in need of a relaxing walk in the woods , or are looking to gain a new perspective on things ?
Well , then this treetop skywalk in Tennessee is just what you ’ ve been searching for to help you unwind and reconnect with nature and yourself .
Anakeesta , a Cherokee word meaning “ place of the balsams ” , and is most often referred to now as a massive rock layer called the Anakeesta Formation that makes up several of the peaks in the Smoky Mountains .
It is also home to the Anakeesta Mountaintop @ @ @ @ @ @ @ many different ways for visitors to the park to relax and have fun , and one of the most spectacular is definitely their treetop skywalk .
( 1 ) The treetop skywalk is the longest tree-based bridge in North America .
It is 800 feet long and is suspended 50 to 60 feet in the air , depending on what part of the bridge you are on .
( 1 ) The best part about the walk is the ‘ bird ’ s-eye ’ view that it gives you of the forest floor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ seeing ( 1 ) : Advertisement Cameras are encouraged , though it is essential that guests are able to walk unassisted in order to participate .
Strollers are not allowed , however , babies in secure carriers that are worn by an adult are .
( 1 ) At nighttime , the walk is light all the way along with beautiful fairy lights , making it as romantic as it is breathtaking .
( 1 ) Other Things to Do at Anakeesta Of course , there are plenty of other adventures and activities @ @ @ @ @ @ @ This includes ( 3 ) : If you are from Tennessee or are visiting the area , the Anakeesta Mountaintop Park is an incredible place to visit for families and couples alike .
Keep Reading : There ’ s A Theme Park That Allows Kids To Operate Construction Machinery

Are you in need of a relaxing walk in the woods, or are looking to gain a new perspective on things? Well, then this treetop skywalk in Tennessee is just what you’ve been searching for to help you unwind and reconnect with nature and yourself.
Take A Stroll Through the Treetop Skywalk In Tennessee
Anakeesta, a Cherokee word meaning “place of the balsams”, and is most often referred to now as a massive rock layer called the Anakeesta Formation that makes up several of the peaks in the Smoky Mountains. It is also home to the Anakeesta Mountaintop Park (2).
There are many different ways for visitors to the park to relax and have fun, and one of the most spectacular is definitely their treetop skywalk. (1)
The treetop skywalk is the longest tree-based bridge in North America. It is 800 feet long and is suspended 50 to 60 feet in the air, depending on what part of the bridge you are on. (1) The best part about the walk is the ‘bird’s-eye’ view that it gives you of the forest floor. Observant guests have the possibility of seeing (1):
Bears on the forest floor
Woodpeckers on nearby trees
Other plant and animal wildlife
Cameras are encouraged, though it is essential that guests are able to walk unassisted in order to participate. Strollers are not allowed, however, babies in secure carriers that are worn by an adult are. (1)
At nighttime, the walk is light all the way along with beautiful fairy lights, making it as romantic as it is breathtaking.
Other Things to Do at Anakeesta
The treetop skywalk isn’t the only fun thing in the area! Of course, there are plenty of other adventures and activities to be experienced in the park. This includes (3):
Dual zipline
The chandala
The rail runner
The tree venture course
The bear venture
The treehouse village adventure
The vista gardens
The memorial forest walk
If you are from Tennessee or are visiting the area, the Anakeesta Mountaintop Park is an incredible place to visit for families and couples alike.
Keep Reading: 21 Spectacular and unique trees and forests around the world
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theheartysoul--2020-09-01--Couple with no savings, no mortgage plan to build their dream home

Dreaming of owning a home but unsure how you will ever be able to afford it ?
This couple in Australia knows the feeling – so they put their heads to figure out how to use the system to make their dreams come true .
This is how , without any savings , they can afford to build their dream home without a mortgage .
Even before COVID-19 , buying a home in Australia was difficult .
Young couples especially have been essentially priced out of the market .
Then the pandemic-caused economic downturn made homeownership even more untouchable for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Brisbane , however , have figured out a way in which they can turn their misfortune into their dream home .
( 1 ) Not long after the pandemic hit , Christie lost her job in fashion .
Chris , an operator of a snake catching business in south-east Queensland , was determined to not let that stop their dream of owning a home .
He came to her with an innovative plan .
( 1 ) Advertisement For the 2019-2020 year , the Australian government is allowing citizens to withdraw up to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ then another $ 10,000 the following financial year .
( 2 ) The superannuation is essentially a retirement fund : Money put aside by a person ’ s employer over the course of their working life that they will live on when they retire .
( 4 ) This is part of their pandemic relief response .
Chris and Christie plan to combine their supers with two grants offered from the federal and regional governments : • $ 15,000 grant for building a new home from the Queensland government ( 1 ) In @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 80,000 for the project .
( 1 ) Read : This Family Of 4 Built A Tiny Home Village – One Home For Each Family Member In order to make their dream a reality , the couple knew that they had to look outside of the city for land that would actually be affordable .
They purchased a plot of land on Russell Island , a small island about 45km east of Brisbane , for $ 21,000 .
( 1 ) This leaves them with $ 59,000 to do with what they need @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of with the remaining money , including ( 1 ) : The couple plans on living there long-term , so they also would like to eventually work on landscaping and beautifying the space .
( 1 ) According to Chris and Christie , they meet all the requirements for both grants , they just have to get started .
( 1 ) Do Your Own Research • This is an Australian couple and these are grants given by the Australian government .
This is not available in every country , and amounts and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Australia .
It is also unclear if these grants would be available to non-Australian citizens living in Australia .
( 2 ) • It ’ s different depending on whether or not you want to build something that you would have to mortgage .
If you need a mortgage , it ’ s not quite that simple .
( 2 ) Jodi McKeown , associate director and mortgage broker with Prosolution Private Clients , if you are looking to use your superannuation for a down payment and then have a mortgage ( aka @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more complicated.Advertisement You would also have to : • Meet the requirements of the genuine savings credit policy of the bank or lender ( 2 ) • Have at least a 5 % available deposit from longer-term savings , which is typically considered to be those with the bank for more than 3 months ( 2 ) For Chris and Christie , living the island life in a small pre-fab home is the dream .
If you live in Australia and have access to the same grants , perhaps this is something you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ For the rest of us , we can look on in envy of their mortgage-free life .
Keep Reading : A ‘ Fundamental Shift is Occurring ’ as People Flock to Tiny Homes

Couple with no savings, no mortgage plan to build their dream home
Dreaming of owning a home but unsure how you will ever be able to afford it? This couple in Australia knows the feeling – so they put their heads to figure out how to use the system to make their dreams come true. This is how, without any savings, they can afford to build their dream home without a mortgage.
Australian Couple Builds Dream Home Without Any Savings
Even before COVID-19, buying a home in Australia was difficult. Young couples especially have been essentially priced out of the market. Then the pandemic-caused economic downturn made homeownership even more untouchable for people.
Christie and Chris Gorter of Brisbane, however, have figured out a way in which they can turn their misfortune into their dream home. (1)
Not long after the pandemic hit, Christie lost her job in fashion. Chris, an operator of a snake catching business in south-east Queensland, was determined to not let that stop their dream of owning a home. He came to her with an innovative plan. (1)
For the 2019-2020 year, the Australian government is allowing citizens to withdraw up to $10,000 from their superannuation tax-free, then another $10,000 the following financial year. (2) The superannuation is essentially a retirement fund: Money put aside by a person’s employer over the course of their working life that they will live on when they retire. (4) This is part of their pandemic relief response.
Chris and Christie plan to combine their supers with two grants offered from the federal and regional governments:
$25,000 federal home builders’ initiative for new homes (1)
$15,000 grant for building a new home from the Queensland government (1)
In total, the couple will have $80,000 for the project. (1)
“With the first-home buyers’ grant of $15,000 and the home builders’ grant of $25,000 we are able to access $80,000 … without savings.” Chris explained. (3)
Read: This Family Of 4 Built A Tiny Home Village – One Home For Each Family Member
The Building Plan
In order to make their dream a reality, the couple knew that they had to look outside of the city for land that would actually be affordable. They purchased a plot of land on Russell Island, a small island about 45km east of Brisbane, for $21,000. (1)
“It’s always perplexed me how cheap land is outside of the city. I’d always been keeping an eye on land here, but a lot of young couples who are priced out of the housing market, they should think about this,” Chris said. (1)
This leaves them with $59,000 to do with what they need. Several items can be took care of with the remaining money, including (1):
Clearing the land of trees
Purchasing their one-bedroom kit home
Buying a deck
Buying a shipping container for more outdoor storage
The couple plans on living there long-term, so they also would like to eventually work on landscaping and beautifying the space. (1)
“Basically we’ve had soil testing and pre-drainage work done, and we’ve got some site plans and a builder that will sign off on the project,” (1)
According to Chris and Christie, they meet all the requirements for both grants, they just have to get started. (1)
Do Your Own Research
It’s important to note that:
This is an Australian couple and these are grants given by the Australian government. This is not available in every country, and amounts and access vary from region to region within Australia. It is also unclear if these grants would be available to non-Australian citizens living in Australia. (2) It’s different depending on whether or not you want to build something that you would have to mortgage. If you need a mortgage, it’s not quite that simple. (2)
Jodi McKeown, associate director and mortgage broker with Prosolution Private Clients, if you are looking to use your superannuation for a down payment and then have a mortgage (aka borrow money), it’s more complicated.
“I understand people on JobKeeper can access their superannuation in an emergency, but they would need to get another job and serve the probationary period and then approach lenders [to successfully get a mortgage],” (2)
You would also have to:
Meet the requirements of the genuine savings credit policy of the bank or lender (2)
Have at least a 5% available deposit from longer-term savings, which is typically considered to be those with the bank for more than 3 months (2)
For Chris and Christie, living the island life in a small pre-fab home is the dream. If you live in Australia and have access to the same grants, perhaps this is something you may want to try, too.
For the rest of us, we can look on in envy of their mortgage-free life.
Keep Reading: A ‘Fundamental Shift is Occurring’ as People Flock to Tiny Homes


theheartysoul--2020-09-01--My Husband’s Reaction to Finding Out Our Baby Girl Has No Arms or Hands Put the Doctors to Shame

Even in today ’ s modern world with state-of-the-art hospitals and advanced medicine , pregnancy and childbirth come with a certain amount of risk .
For this reason , every time a baby is born healthy with no complications it is truly a miracle .
Sometimes , however , things don ’ t go perfectly , and babies are born with health issues that the doctors can ’ t explain .
This can be extremely scary and heartbreaking for the child ’ s parents , who are not only afraid for the health of their baby , but are unsure @ @ @ @ @ @ @ provide everything that child will need as they grow up .
Vanessa Mcleod and her husband know exactly what that feels like , having experienced the same pain , sadness , and fear after they learned that their unborn baby girl was going to be born with no arms and no hands .
A Baby Girl with No Arms and No Hands When Vanessa Mcleod received a phone call from her midwife after a routine ultrasound , she knew something was terribly , horribly wrong .
Her midwife had told her over the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” in the ultrasound , that she should bring her husband with her to the appointment , and that she should find someone to look after her two-year-old daughter .
Her husband was out of town for work , so instead her mother and father came to the appointment with her .
Vanessa cried the entire way , fearing the worst .
All she could think was that she did not want to lose her baby .
Upon reviewing the scan of her unborn child , she learned there was a possibility of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ her baby ’ s femurs was curved and shorter than the other , that the doctors had some concerns with her heart , and that she was missing both of her forearms and hands .
AdvertisementThat final blow was more than the young mother could take .
Her biggest concern had been that her pregnancy wasn ’ t viable , or that there was something wrong that would make it impossible for her baby to survive- that she would give birth to her little girl only to lose her shortly after .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or hands had never even crossed her mind .
Over the next few months Vanessa went through a grieving process as she attempted to process this new information .
She felt denial , guilt , anger , and sadness .
To make matters worse , doctors , perinatologists , medical geneticists , and genetics counselors had very few answers for the shaken family .
AdvertisementAll she hoped for were answers- a reason why this was happening , a possible solution .
From Vanessa ’ s perspective , it felt as though the doctors @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
She and her husband were shocked when they suggested they terminate the pregnancy , saying that without arms and hands , the little girl would have no quality of life .
Vanessa asked her doctors about alternate solutions- War Amps , prosthetics , anything to give her some hope .
Upon arriving at the hospital , Vanessa was hoping to have all her questions answered , but instead ended up adding to her already long list .
She was scared , heartbroken , and unsure what to do .
Despite her fears @ @ @ @ @ @ @ husband were left alone to decide how they wanted to move forward , her husband put all her fears to rest , at least for a moment.Advertisement The Mcleod family ’ s baby girl has what is referred to as “ upper and lower limb reduction defects ” , which occurs when part of or the entire arm ( upper ) or leg ( lower ) of a fetus does not form completely during pregnancy .
It is given the term “ reduction ” because a limb is reduced from its normal size @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Unfortunately , the cause of limb reduction defects is unknown , but research has shown that certain behaviours or exposures can increase the risk that they will happen , including : • Exposure of the mother to certain chemicals or viruses while she is pregnant • Exposure of the mother to certain medications • Possible exposure of the mother to tobacco smoking ( more research is needed ) [ 2 ] In some cases limb reduction defects can be associated with other birth defects such as heart defects , omphalocele ( the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the belly through the belly button [ 3 ] , or gastroschisis ( the baby ’ s intestines are outside of their body [ 4 ] ) [ 2 ] .
In the United States , around one in every 1900 babies are born with upper and lower limb defects .
These babies and children will face a variety of difficulties depending on the location and type of reduction , which may include the following : • Difficulties with normal development such as motor skills • Needing assistance with daily activities such as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sports , or activities • Potential emotional and social issues because of physical appearance [ 2 ] Read : A Daughter Wrote a Message of Hope in the Snow for Her Mother Who ’ s Battling Cancer “ She is Going to Teach Us So Much ” Despite the doctor ’ s warnings about quality of life , Vanessa and her husband were steadfast in their decision to bring their baby girl into the world , and today they can not imagine life without their giggly , beautiful girl Ivy .
After processing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ perspective shifted , and now believes that she was chosen to be Ivy ’ s mother .
She knew that she would fight for her daughter , advocate for her , and above all else , love her .
She started to realize that perhaps it wasn ’ t Ivy who needed her , but her who needed Ivy .
Since the day she was brought home from the hospital , little Ivy has been meeting all of her milestones on time .
She is happy , healthy , and loved .
Both @ @ @ @ @ @ @ girl is going to face struggles in her life that others don ’ t have to deal with .
They are worried for the day when other kids point and stare , or say unkind things .
They are afraid they won ’ t have the right words to comfort and encourage her during these struggles , and are hoping that they will be able to instill confidence in their daughter as she grows up .
Despite this , Ivy ’ s family is ready to love her and support her in every @ @ @ @ @ @ @ connected with the Lucky Fin Project , a network for parents around the world who have children with limb differences , as well as War Amps , and countless other kids and their parents living with limb differences .
As the family continues to connect with organizations and people to support their daughter , Vanessa ’ s goal is to normalize her daughter ’ s differences so that the world can become a more inclusive place .
That some people have blue eyes , some have brown , some have blonde hair , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hands , and some don ’ t .
Keep Reading : Just One Day Before Baby Aiden Past from Microcephaly , Photographer Captures These Beautiful Moments

Even in today’s modern world with state-of-the-art hospitals and advanced medicine, pregnancy and childbirth come with a certain amount of risk. For this reason, every time a baby is born healthy with no complications it is truly a miracle. Sometimes, however, things don’t go perfectly, and babies are born with health issues that the doctors can’t explain. This can be extremely scary and heartbreaking for the child’s parents, who are not only afraid for the health of their baby, but are unsure whether they’ll be able to provide everything that child will need as they grow up. Vanessa Mcleod and her husband know exactly what that feels like, having experienced the same pain, sadness, and fear after they learned that their unborn baby girl was going to be born with no arms and no hands.
A Baby Girl with No Arms and No Hands
When Vanessa Mcleod received a phone call from her midwife after a routine ultrasound, she knew something was terribly, horribly wrong. Her midwife had told her over the phone that there were “significant findings” in the ultrasound, that she should bring her husband with her to the appointment, and that she should find someone to look after her two-year-old daughter.
Her husband was out of town for work, so instead her mother and father came to the appointment with her. Vanessa cried the entire way, fearing the worst. All she could think was that she did not want to lose her baby.
Upon reviewing the scan of her unborn child, she learned there was a possibility of a cleft lip, that one of her baby’s femurs was curved and shorter than the other, that the doctors had some concerns with her heart, and that she was missing both of her forearms and hands.
That final blow was more than the young mother could take.
“This felt like a punch to the gut. It stole my breath. It keeled me over and the sobs tore out of me, and visions of my perfect little baby shattered,” said Mcleod [1].
Her biggest concern had been that her pregnancy wasn’t viable, or that there was something wrong that would make it impossible for her baby to survive- that she would give birth to her little girl only to lose her shortly after. The thought of her being born without arms or hands had never even crossed her mind.
Grieving
Over the next few months, Vanessa went through a grieving process as she attempted to process this new information. She felt denial, guilt, anger, and sadness. To make matters worse, doctors, perinatologists, medical geneticists, and genetics counselors had very few answers for the shaken family.
All she hoped for were answers- a reason why this was happening, a possible solution.
“But the appointments were severely disappointing in that regard, and if anything, the doctors created more questions for us than answers, and tainted that whole experience with so much negativity,” said Mcleod [1].
From Vanessa’s perspective, it felt as though the doctors were telling her it was all over. She and her husband were shocked when they suggested they terminate the pregnancy, saying that without arms and hands, the little girl would have no quality of life.
Vanessa asked her doctors about alternate solutions- War Amps, prosthetics, anything to give her some hope.
“The geneticist was quick to dismiss those options — she knew nothing about the War Amps, and she said prosthetics would never be an option, because she was missing both hands. I didn’t understand why.” [1]
Upon arriving at the hospital, Vanessa was hoping to have all her questions answered, but instead ended up adding to her already long list. She was scared, heartbroken, and unsure what to do.
Despite her fears, however, when she and her husband were left alone to decide how they wanted to move forward, her husband put all her fears to rest, at least for a moment.
“I’ll do whatever I have to do to take care of her,” he said to his wife. “I’ll build her anything. I want her. I’ll do whatever it takes. I’ll take care of her for the rest of her life.” [1]
Upper and Lower Limb Reduction Defects
The Mcleod family’s baby girl has what is referred to as “upper and lower limb reduction defects”, which occurs when part of or the entire arm (upper) or leg (lower) of a fetus does not form completely during pregnancy. It is given the term “reduction” because a limb is reduced from its normal size, or missing entirely [2].
Unfortunately, the cause of limb reduction defects is unknown, but research has shown that certain behaviours or exposures can increase the risk that they will happen, including:
Exposure of the mother to certain chemicals or viruses while she is pregnant
Exposure of the mother to certain medications
Possible exposure of the mother to tobacco smoking (more research is needed) [2]
In some cases limb reduction defects can be associated with other birth defects such as heart defects, omphalocele (the intestines or other organs are stick outside the belly through the belly button [3], or gastroschisis (the baby’s intestines are outside of their body [4]) [2].
In the United States, around one in every 1900 babies are born with upper and lower limb defects. These babies and children will face a variety of difficulties depending on the location and type of reduction, which may include the following:
Difficulties with normal development such as motor skills
Needing assistance with daily activities such as self-care
Limitations with certain movements, sports, or activities
Potential emotional and social issues because of physical appearance [2]
“She is Going to Teach Us So Much”
Despite the doctor’s warnings about quality of life, Vanessa and her husband were steadfast in their decision to bring their baby girl with no arms into the world, and today they cannot imagine life without their giggly, beautiful girl Ivy.
After processing her grief, Vanessa’s whole perspective shifted and now believes that she was chosen to be Ivy’s mother. She knew that she would fight for her daughter, advocate for her, and above all else, love her.
She started to realize that perhaps it wasn’t Ivy who needed her, but her who needed Ivy.
“I need her because she completes me, completes my family, in ways I never realized. She’s a balm to my soul, a salve to past wounds. Ivy will teach me things I didn’t think I needed to know, or maybe didn’t want to know.” [1]
Since the day she was brought home from the hospital, little Ivy has been meeting all of her milestones on time. She is happy, healthy, and loved.
Both of her parents understand that their little girl is going to face struggles in her life that others don’t have to deal with. They are worried for the day when other kids point and stare, or say unkind things. They are afraid they won’t have the right words to comfort and encourage her during these struggles, and are hoping that they will be able to instill confidence in their daughter as she grows up.
Ready To Love
Despite this, Ivy’s family is ready to love her and support her in every way they can. They have already connected with the Lucky Fin Project, a network for parents around the world who have children with limb differences, as well as War Amps, and countless other kids and their parents living with limb differences.
As the family continues to connect with organizations and people to support their daughter, Vanessa’s goal is to normalize her daughter’s differences so that the world can become a more inclusive place. That some people have blue eyes, some have brown, some have blonde hair, some have red, and some have hands, and some don’t.
“I hope I can always impart to her that her life has meaning, has value, and will always be filled with so much love, regardless of her appearance or abilities,” said Vanessa. “It’s all about her. And she is absolutely, unequivocally, undeniably perfect.” [1]
Keep Reading: Mom wants to give Down syndrome son to foster care, loyal dad refuses and raises him on his own
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