theheartysoul--2020-08-20--Chocolate snow falls on Swiss town after Lindt factory suffers ventilator malfunction

Weather can be unpredictable , but there are a few things we have come to expect- some rain once in a while , the occasional snow fall , maybe even a little hail now and again .
On the list of things we don ’ t expect to see falling from the sky ?
Chocolate .
Residents in a town in Switzerland , however , saw just that last week when a light dusting of chocolate snow covered their streets and cars in a scene straight out of a fairy tale .
Last week the chocolate company Lindt & Spruengli @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cocoa powder into the air outside its facility .
The powder came from cocoa nibs , which are the crushed cocoa bean fragments that are used to make chocolate [ 1 ] .
Strong winds then caught the powder , causing it to spread across the neighbourhood in the town of Olten , where the factory is located .
The company said it was a minor incident that did not stop production , nor did it pose any danger to the residents of the town .
A picture of a white car dusted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Twitter , and the company has offered to pay to have the car cleaned [ 2 ] .
Olten , Switzerland is not the only place in the world where strange things have fallen from the sky .
Here is a quick round-up of some of the more interesting “ weather patterns ” the world has seen : That ’ s right- fish .
In Mexico the “ illuvia di pesces ” ( spanish for “ rain of fish ” ) happens quite frequently- often enough , at least , that they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ This strange phenomena is also known to happen in other coastal regions around the world like California , England , and India .
There are several theories for why this happens , but one is that water spouts , which is when a tornado touches water ) occasionally suck up unsuspecting schools of fish and carry them inland [ 3 ] .
In 1873 it rained tiny toads in Kansas City , Missouri , after a rainstorm .
The cause of this second “ rain ” is still largely unknown , however many @ @ @ @ @ @ @ similar reason as the fish .
If a strong wind can overturn a car or rip a tree out of the ground , it can probably pick up a few frogs , too [ 3 ] .
The 1870 ’ s appeared to have multiple strange weather incidents , because three years after the frog rain , residents of Bath County , Kentucky , got rained on with meat .
Some thought the mysterious flakes were mutton , some thought venison , and some were convinced it was bear .
One analyst hypothesized @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , but instead a cyanobacteria congealed into a fleshy jelly when exposed to the rain , while still others thought it was buzzard barf .
Whatever it was , the mystery of the meat rain has never been solved [ 3 ] .
Occasionally in Australia ( where else ? )
it actually “ rains ” spiders .
This happens when large groups of spiders all engage in a behaviour called “ ballooning ” at the same time , which is when they climb up to a high area , stick their butts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and take off [ 3 ] .
These are just a few examples of some of the strange things that have fallen from the sky throughout the decades , but one thing is for certain- the people of Olten , Switzerland certainly got the sweeter end of the deal .

Weather can be unpredictable, but there are a few things we have come to expect- some rain once in a while, the occasional snow fall, maybe even a little hail now and again. On the list of things we don’t expect to see falling from the sky? Chocolate.
Residents in a town in Switzerland, however, saw just that last week when a light dusting of chocolate snow covered their streets and cars in a scene straight out of a fairy tale.
Chocolate Snow
Last week the chocolate company Lindt & Spruengli confirmed that a minor ventilation defect launched cocoa powder into the air outside its facility. The powder came from cocoa nibs, which are the crushed cocoa bean fragments that are used to make chocolate [1].
Strong winds then caught the powder, causing it to spread across the neighbourhood in the town of Olten, where the factory is located.
No Harm Done
The company said it was a minor incident that did not stop production, nor did it pose any danger to the residents of the town. A picture of a white car dusted with cocoa powder has now been circulated on Twitter, and the company has offered to pay to have the car cleaned [2].
Weird “Weather” Around the World
Olten, Switzerland is not the only place in the world where strange things have fallen from the sky. Here is a quick round-up of some of the more interesting “weather patterns” the world has seen:
Fish
That’s right- fish. In Mexico the “illuvia di pesces” (spanish for “rain of fish”) happens quite frequently- often enough, at least, that they’ve given it a name. This strange phenomena is also known to happen in other coastal regions around the world like California, England, and India.
There are several theories for why this happens, but one is that water spouts, which is when a tornado touches water) occasionally suck up unsuspecting schools of fish and carry them inland [3].
Frogs
In 1873 it rained tiny toads in Kansas City, Missouri, after a rainstorm. The cause of this second “rain” is still largely unknown, however many believe it was likely due to a similar reason as the fish. If a strong wind can overturn a car or rip a tree out of the ground, it can probably pick up a few frogs, too [3].
Meat
The 1870’s appeared to have multiple strange weather incidents, because three years after the frog rain, residents of Bath County, Kentucky, got rained on with meat. Some thought the mysterious flakes were mutton, some thought venison, and some were convinced it was bear. One analyst hypothesized that it was not meat at all, but instead a cyanobacteria congealed into a fleshy jelly when exposed to the rain, while still others thought it was buzzard barf.
Whatever it was, the mystery of the meat rain has never been solved [3].
Spiders
Occasionally in Australia (where else?) it actually “rains” spiders. This happens when large groups of spiders all engage in a behaviour called “ballooning” at the same time, which is when they climb up to a high area, stick their butts up into the air, release silk and take off [3].
These are just a few examples of some of the strange things that have fallen from the sky throughout the decades, but one thing is for certain- the people of Olten, Switzerland certainly got the sweeter end of the deal.


theheartysoul--2020-08-20--The FBI Warns That Smart TVs Could be Hacked to Spy on You

With the rise of technology and social media , privacy seems to be harder to maintain .
However , it ’ s one thing to choose to post about your life on Instagram or Facebook , and quite another to be spied on without your consent .
Many people joke about being spied on through their gadgets , but in truth , that theory may not be far off .
The FBI warns that smart TVs that connect to the internet might be watching you back .
Your Webcams Could Get Hacked , Even Through Smart TVs You may have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their phone and laptop cameras .
This is to protect themselves from hackers who could take control of the webcam and disable the “ on ” light .
Then their victims are completely unaware they are being watched .
Most of the attacks are unaccounted for and the victims never realize they had been compromised .
When computers are shut off , they can ’ t be accessed by hackers , but most people leave them in hibernation or sleep mode where the cameras could still be turned on .
Even Mark Zuckerberg @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Financial gain through gathering information is usually what motivates these cybercriminals .
( And usually not capturing images for blackmail or for their own creepy personal use . )
[ 1 ] The same motivation applies to smart TVs as well .
A TV connected to the internet with easy access to streaming services comes with a downside .
The TV may be able to collect data so advertisers could target their marketing .
FBI Warns That Hackers Could Enter Your Home Through Smart TVs The FBI says that many people with smart @ @ @ @ @ @ @ protective steps as they would to their phones and computers , such as putting tape over the webcam , using complicated passwords , etc .
But they should .
“ Beyond the risk that your TV manufacturer and app developers may be listening and watching you , that television can also be a gateway for hackers to come into your home , ” the FBI says in a press release .
“ A bad cyber actor may not be able to access your locked-down computer directly , but it is possible that your @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an easy way in the backdoor through your router.
” Many smart TVs come with built-in cameras that use facial recognition to suggest programming based on who ’ s watching .
It also allows for live two-way conversations on the large screen .
The TV responds to voice commands for those who are too lazy to pick up the remote—or those who could never find it .
In a nightmare scenario , according the FBI , cybercriminals “ can turn on your bedroom TV ’ s camera and microphone and silently cyberstalk you.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the risk spectrum , [ hackers ] can change channels , play with the volume and show your kids inappropriate details.
” [ 2 ] When concerns about the government using smart TVs to spy on its citizens arose in 2017 , WikiLeaks published some chilling information .
A tool developed by the CIA called “ Weeping Angel ” attempted to turn some Samsung smart TVs into monitoring devices .
Weeping Angel would have been able to extract browser search history and Wi-Fi credentials .
And when a TV turned on , Weeping @ @ @ @ @ @ @ standby mode , listening and waiting , ” according to Tech Crunch .
In 2018 , Consumer Reports found that millions of smart TVs have security flaws that are easy to exploit .
White hat hackers showed how bad cyber actors could simply take over a device .
In 2019 , Samsung tweeted a reminder to owners of its smart TVs to scan their product for viruses to “ prevent malicious software attacks.
” They deleted the tweet after major backlash .
[ 3 ] All of this shows that the capabilities of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be , and are , being abused .
How to Maintain Internet Security on Smart TVs The FBI insists that people need to make security a top priority , especially with the growth of internet-enabled streaming and satellite dish services .
Do research before buying a smart TV and decide whether you could minimize the risks as much as possible .
If you buy one or already have one , ensure you know everything about its features and how to control them .
Do an internet search of your TV model number while @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ microphone , ” and “ camera.
” To delete recordings from Google , click here .
Here are a few more tips from the FBI : • Don ’ t rely on default security settings .
If it ’ s possible , change passwords .
Learn how to turn off microphones , cameras , and any other method of taking personal data .
• Place a piece of black tape over the camera lens if you can ’ t turn off the camera .
• Check how often the manufacturer updates the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Read the privacy policy of the TV manufacturer and whichever streaming service you use .
Know what kind of data do they collect , how they use it , and how they store it to keep their system safe from hackers .
[ 4 ]

The FBI Warns That Smart TVs Could be Hacked to Spy on You
With the rise of technology and social media, privacy seems to be harder to maintain. However, it’s one thing to choose to post about your life on Instagram or Facebook, and quite another to be spied on without your consent.
Many people joke about being spied on through their gadgets, but in truth, that theory may not be far off. The FBI warns that smart TVs that connect to the internet might be watching you back.
Your Webcams Could Get Hacked, Even Through Smart TVs
You may have seen people with bits of tape covering their phone and laptop cameras. This is to protect themselves from hackers who could take control of the webcam and disable the “on” light. Then their victims are completely unaware they are being watched. Most of the attacks are unaccounted for and the victims never realize they had been compromised.
When computers are shut off, they can’t be accessed by hackers, but most people leave them in hibernation or sleep mode where the cameras could still be turned on. Even Mark Zuckerberg covers his webcam and his microphone.
Financial gain through gathering information is usually what motivates these cybercriminals. (And usually not capturing images for blackmail or for their own creepy personal use.) [1]
The same motivation applies to smart TVs as well. A TV connected to the internet with easy access to streaming services comes with a downside. The TV may be able to collect data so advertisers could target their marketing.
FBI Warns That Hackers Could Enter Your Home Through Smart TVs
The FBI says that many people with smart TVs don’t take the same protective steps as they would to their phones and computers, such as putting tape over the webcam, using complicated passwords, etc. But they should.
“Beyond the risk that your TV manufacturer and app developers may be listening and watching you, that television can also be a gateway for hackers to come into your home,” the FBI says in a press release. “A bad cyber actor may not be able to access your locked-down computer directly, but it is possible that your unsecured TV can give him or her an easy way in the backdoor through your router.”
Many smart TVs come with built-in cameras that use facial recognition to suggest programming based on who’s watching. It also allows for live two-way conversations on the large screen. The TV responds to voice commands for those who are too lazy to pick up the remote—or those who could never find it.
In a nightmare scenario, according the FBI, cybercriminals “can turn on your bedroom TV’s camera and microphone and silently cyberstalk you.”
“At the low end of the risk spectrum, [hackers] can change channels, play with the volume and show your kids inappropriate details.” [2]
Instances When Smart TVs’ Security was Vulnerable
When concerns about the government using smart TVs to spy on its citizens arose in 2017, WikiLeaks published some chilling information. A tool developed by the CIA called “Weeping Angel” attempted to turn some Samsung smart TVs into monitoring devices. Weeping Angel would have been able to extract browser search history and Wi-Fi credentials. And when a TV turned on, Weeping Angel “kept it in a deep standby mode, listening and waiting,” according to Tech Crunch.
In 2018, Consumer Reports found that millions of smart TVs have security flaws that are easy to exploit. White hat hackers showed how bad cyber actors could simply take over a device.
In 2019, Samsung tweeted a reminder to owners of its smart TVs to scan their product for viruses to “prevent malicious software attacks.” They deleted the tweet after major backlash. [3]
All of this shows that the capabilities of overriding the human right to privacy can be, and are, being abused.
How to Maintain Internet Security on Smart TVs
The FBI insists that people need to make security a top priority, especially with the growth of internet-enabled streaming and satellite dish services. Do research before buying a smart TV and decide whether you could minimize the risks as much as possible.
If you buy one or already have one, ensure you know everything about its features and how to control them. Do an internet search of your TV model number while adding keywords like “privacy,” “microphone,” and “camera.”
Here are a few more tips from the FBI:
Don’t rely on default security settings. If it’s possible, change passwords. Learn how to turn off microphones, cameras, and any other method of taking personal data.
Place a piece of black tape over the camera lens if you can’t turn off the camera.
Check how often the manufacturer updates the smart TVs with security patches.
Read the privacy policy of the TV manufacturer and whichever streaming service you use. Know what kind of data do they collect, how they use it, and how they store it to keep their system safe from hackers. [4]


theheartysoul--2020-08-24--A Couple Buy a Collapsing Cabin For $7K in Joshua Tree and Revamp it Into a Desert Oasis

Converting an old , dilapidated cabin in the middle of a desert is no small feat .
This couple took on that project , and now they have the beautiful Joshua Tree cabin that they always wanted .
This was their process .
Looking at their little desert oasis , it ’ s hard to imagine what this tiny Joshua Tree cabin looked like before it was renovated .
( 1 ) In June 2015 , Kathrin and Brian Smirke purchased a property for $ 7,000 at a tax auction in San Bernardino County .
The property had been abandoned @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cabin itself was hardly livable – it was so forgone , in fact , that the couple knew they would have to tear it down all the way to the studs and rebuild .
This , of course , was a massive project .
( 1 ) Naturally , there were many challenges .
The Smirkes wanted to have the smallest ecological footprint possible while remodeling the home .
On top of that , there were several other difficulties due to the restrictive building codes on buildings like the Joshua Tree Cabin .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ square footage : They were not allowed to build any additions to the original structure to make it bigger .
The couple took it in stride , however , and put their minds together to come up with creative solutions to work with the space that they had .
( 1 ) The cabin , which the couple refers to as “ The Shack Attack ” , was officially completed in December 2017 .
Now the Smirkes live half of the time in the Joshua Cabin and the rest in their home on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ re not staying in the cabin , they rent it out to tourists .
( 1 ) Read : Would You Live in One of These Candy-Colored Tiny Homes ?
As it turns out , the small space was actually beneficial because it was relatively inexpensive to renovate .
The Shack Attack is more of a vacation home for them rather than a permanent residence , so they don ’ t feel like having a lot of space was necessary .
( 1 ) On top of an inexpensive rehab , the costs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ low .
It doesn ’ t take much to power a 480-square foot cabin .
( 1 ) The couple did their best to reuse as many materials from the old building as possible .
Brian repurposed the wood from the original structure to make all of the wooden artwork and frames .
They have an adorable indoor cactus garden positioned by the beautiful glass front door where it receives hours of natural light .
( 1 ) Thanks to the size and design of the cabin , the couple feels as though @ @ @ @ @ @ @ traditional city and suburban life while they are there .
( 1 ) Other details of the cabin include ( 1 ) : • Sliding glass doors to open up the space and bring the outdoors closer to the inside .
• Plenty of windows for natural lighting all day long If you are interested in renting Shack Attack for your next vacation , click here to inquire about pricing and availability .
Keep Reading : This shipping container design is now being built as a home in the California desert

Converting an old, dilapidated cabin in the middle of a desert is no small feat. This couple took on that project, and now they have the beautiful Joshua Tree cabin that they always wanted. This was their process.
The Beautiful Joshua Tree Cabin
Looking at their little desert oasis, it’s hard to imagine what this tiny Joshua Tree cabin looked like before it was renovated. (1)
In June 2015, Kathrin and Brian Smirke purchased a property for $7,000 at a tax auction in San Bernardino County. The property had been abandoned since 1957. (1) The cabin itself was hardly livable – it was so forgone, in fact, that the couple knew they would have to tear it down all the way to the studs and rebuild. This, of course, was a massive project. (1)
“We spent over a year planning, demolishing, building, planning again, building, and then finally decorating this little gem,” Kathrin said. (1)
Naturally, there were many challenges.
Obstacles to Overcome
The Smirkes wanted to have the smallest ecological footprint possible while remodeling the home. On top of that, there were several other difficulties due to the restrictive building codes on buildings like the Joshua Tree Cabin. (1)
One of these was square footage: They were not allowed to build any additions to the original structure to make it bigger. The couple took it in stride, however, and put their minds together to come up with creative solutions to work with the space that they had. (1)
The Shack Attack
The cabin, which the couple refers to as “The Shack Attack”, was officially completed in December 2017. Now the Smirkes live half of the time in the Joshua Cabin and the rest in their home on the Mendocino Coast. When they’re not staying in the cabin, they rent it out to tourists. (1)
“What makes this home special is that we did a lot of the work ourselves, including the design, complete demolition, framing, plumbing, trim electrical, and we even built a lot of the interior fixtures and art.” Kathrin explained. (1)
Read: Would You Live in One of These Candy-Colored Tiny Homes?
The Small Space Was a Blessing
As it turns out, the small space was actually beneficial because it was relatively inexpensive to renovate. The Shack Attack is more of a vacation home for them rather than a permanent residence, so they don’t feel like having a lot of space was necessary. (1)
On top of an inexpensive rehab, the costs for hydro and electricity are also relatively low. It doesn’t take much to power a 480-square foot cabin. (1)
Reduce, Reuse, Recycle
The couple did their best to reuse as many materials from the old building as possible. Brian repurposed the wood from the original structure to make all of the wooden artwork and frames. They have an adorable indoor cactus garden positioned by the beautiful glass front door where it receives hours of natural light. (1)
Thanks to the size and design of the cabin, the couple feels as though they can really escape the confines of traditional city and suburban life while they are there. (1)
“…because the space is small, it encouraged us to create a deeper connection to the outdoors—one that is particularly welcomed on starry evenings, completely free of the “light pollution” you get in the city.” she says. (1)
Other details of the cabin include (1):
A vintage leather horsefly blanket on the wall
Sliding glass doors to open up the space and bring the outdoors closer to the inside.
Plenty of windows for natural lighting all day long
Full bathroom and kitchen
Living room
Storage space
Bedroom big enough for a king-sized bed
If you are interested in renting Shack Attack for your next vacation, click here to inquire about pricing and availability.
Keep Reading: This shipping container design is now being built as a home in the California desert
https://www.dwell.com/article/a-couple-buy-a-collapsing-cabin-for-dollar7k-in-joshua-tree-and-revamp-it-into-a-desert-oasis-a9f1c7cd


theheartysoul--2020-08-24--Stunning Iridescent Clouds Snapped Above Skies of Siberia’s Belukha Mountain

Earlier this year , a photographer in Siberia was having the time of her life at the peak of the Belukha Mountain when an amazing phenomenon played out before her eyes .
Thankfully , her camera was nearby and she took some stunning shots for the rest of the world to see [ 1 ] .
Svetlana Kazina from Russia had witnessed cloud iridescence , a beautiful optical phenomenon that occurs when the clouds in the sky turn iridescent , taking on colors that resemble those seen in soap sods or illuminated oil .
Cloud iridescence is caused by tiny @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as natural prisms at the same time and scattering light to produce amazing colors .
At 4506 meters , the Belukha Mountain is the highest peak of the Altai Mountains in Russia .
Countless meteorological and natural phenomena can be observed and photographed nicely at various distances .
Kazina enjoys hanging out at the two meteorological stations in the area : the Akkem weather station ( located at 2050m [ 6726 feet ] ) and the Karaturek weather station ( 2600m [ 8530 feet ] .
She ’ d been tutored by several @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who ply the terrains regularly .
When she saw the cloud iridescence forming , Kazina knew she had to be quick because it wouldn ’ t last very long .
Her excellent Nikon 850 camera with the Nikkor 28-300 lens was the perfect fit for the lovely scene .
At one with nature Almost two decades ago , Kazina made a decision that gave her the quality of life she ’ d always wanted .
She was in love with nature and a huge fan of photography , but the Russian city life @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to explore her dreams .
She quit her job and moved with her two kids to a village near the country ’ s border with Kazahkstan .
At Uznezya , Kazina and her kids first moved into a wooden hut until their home was completed almost seven years ago .
They were so in love with the mountains that the few discomforts didn ’ t matter .
There was no electricity , no proper bathroom facilities , and no running water .
However , they were at one with nature , thriving in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have given them .
Over the years , Kazina has spent most of her time capturing the expansive mountains and peaks .
She doesn ’ t mind the long trips , as exhausting as they are .
For her almost 60,000 Instagram followers and 22,800 Facebook fans , Kazina enjoys touring her habitat and capturing some of the most exciting pictures and mind-blowing phenomena for everyone to enjoy .
“ I often visit the Belukha Mountain just because I really love it and the whole Katun ridge , ” Kazina said .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it ’ s a one-day trip by car to a nearby village , after which the road ends .
Then , two days on foot or on horseback to the Ak-Kem valley and one more day to the foot of the Belukha mountain.
” When Kazina captured her viral cloud iridescence photo , she had to make the clouds more vivid in her pictures .
They could be seen clearly by the naked eye , but at that proximity to the sun , it would have been impossible to make the colors out @ @ @ @

Earlier this year, a photographer in Siberia was having the time of her life at the peak of the Belukha Mountain when an amazing phenomenon played out before her eyes. Thankfully, her camera was nearby and she took some stunning shots for the rest of the world to see [1]. Svetlana Kazina from Russia had witnessed cloud iridescence, a beautiful optical phenomenon that occurs when the clouds in the sky turn iridescent, taking on colors that resemble those seen in soap sods or illuminated oil.
Cloud iridescence is caused by tiny droplets of water in the cloud acting as natural prisms at the same time and scattering light to produce amazing colors.
© Svetlana Kazina
At 4506 meters, the Belukha Mountain is the highest peak of the Altai Mountains in Russia. Countless meteorological and natural phenomena can be observed and photographed nicely at various distances. Kazina enjoys hanging out at the two meteorological stations in the area: the Akkem weather station (located at 2050m [6726 feet]) and the Karaturek weather station (2600m [8530 feet]. She’d been tutored by several meteorologists, pilots, and even rescuers who ply the terrains regularly.
When she saw the cloud iridescence forming, Kazina knew she had to be quick because it wouldn’t last very long. Her excellent Nikon 850 camera with the Nikkor 28-300 lens was the perfect fit for the lovely scene.
© Svetlana Kazina
“I captured the iridescent clouds on a frosty winter morning, standing on the frozen Ak-Kem Lake,” she said to Bored Panda [2]. “Iridescence is a fairly common phenomenon in our mountains. When taking these cloud photos, I used a polarizing filter to make the formations even clearer. Firstly, the sun rose higher and higher, and it was getting too bright. Secondly, I had to fly to the second weather station.”
At one with nature
Almost two decades ago, Kazina made a decision that gave her the quality of life she’d always wanted. She was in love with nature and a huge fan of photography, but the Russian city life didn’t allow her the opportunity to explore her dreams. She quit her job and moved with her two kids to a village near the country’s border with Kazahkstan. At Uznezya, Kazina and her kids first moved into a wooden hut until their home was completed almost seven years ago.
They were so in love with the mountains that the few discomforts didn’t matter. There was no electricity, no proper bathroom facilities, and no running water. However, they were at one with nature, thriving in the utter peace the city could never have given them.
© Svetlana Kazina
Over the years, Kazina has spent most of her time capturing the expansive mountains and peaks. She doesn’t mind the long trips, as exhausting as they are. For her almost 60,000 Instagram followers and 22,800 Facebook fans, Kazina enjoys touring her habitat and capturing some of the most exciting pictures and mind-blowing phenomena for everyone to enjoy.
“I often visit the Belukha Mountain just because I really love it and the whole Katun ridge,” Kazina said. “[From where I live,] it’s a one-day trip by car to a nearby village, after which the road ends. Then, two days on foot or on horseback to the Ak-Kem valley and one more day to the foot of the Belukha mountain.”
© Svetlana Kazina
When Kazina captured her viral cloud iridescence photo, she had to make the clouds more vivid in her pictures. They could be seen clearly by the naked eye, but at that proximity to the sun, it would have been impossible to make the colors out in the photos.
She also captured a final shot with her phone when she finally dropped her camera. “[It was] an amazingly big mother-of-pearl cloud which was colorful for roughly an hour. The colors grew in intensity as the sun sank lower behind the horizon.”
© Svetlana Kazina
© Svetlana Kazina
© Svetlana Kazina
© Svetlana Kazina


theheartysoul--2020-08-24--Veteran Sentenced To Life in Prison for Selling $30 of Marijuana Will Be Freed

In 2008 , a U.S. military veteran , Derek Harris was arrested in Louisiana for attempting to sell 0.69 grams of marijuana to an officer of the law for $ 30 [ 1 ] .
Harris was later convicted and sentenced to 15 years in prison , of which he has served 9 years .
In 2012 , his sentence was increased to life in prison under the Habitual Offender Law , a “ 3-strike ” law that allows convicts with prior charges to be given stricter punishments , typically life in prison .
Harris ’ s prior offenses were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his most recent run-in with the law .
He was arrested for selling cocaine in 1991 and later convicted of simple robbery in 1992 and 1993 .
He also served time for simple burglary in 1997 and theft under $ 500 in 2005 .
The judge at his resentencing reportedly claimed that Harris had committed so many petty crimes that he had no other choice than to condemn the man to life in prison .
The case was reopened after Harris appealed against inadequate representation at his court hearing .
The Louisiana Supreme @ @ @ @ @ @ @ appeal , stating that the man had “ ineffective assistance of counsel at sentencing on post-conviction review.
” Harris said his defense attorney did not protest the sentence or speak up in his defense as the judge sentenced him to life in prison for less than a gram ( 0.69g ) of marijuana .
According to his new attorney , Cormac Boyle , Prosecutors at the 15th Judicial District Attorney Keith Stutes ’ office in Vermilion Parish have agreed to release Harris since he has served enough time in prison already .
Read @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Elderly Now Delivers Free Meals and Supplies to People Who Can ’ t Leave Their Homes Louisiana Supreme Court Justice , John Weimer wrote in his legal opinion that Harris ’ s trial judge had confirmed that the accused did not fit the description of a drug kingpin or a drug dealer .
This was the reason why he wasn ’ t slammed with a maximum 30-year sentence at his first trial .
“ His prior offenses were nonviolent and related to his untreated dependency on drugs , ” Louisiana Supreme Court @ @ @ @ @ @ @ developed a drug problem when he returned to the U.S. following his exit from Desert Storm , a U.S. military operation that oversaw Iraq ’ s invasion of Kuwait in 1990 .
Harris ’ s lawyer is presently coordinating with the Louisiana Department of Corrections to have him released as soon as possible .
He will no longer remain in Louisiana but is expected to move to Kentucky to stay with his brother , Antoine , and be closer to his family .
Read : California Couple ‘ Adopts ’ 93-Year-Old Veteran After @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s case inadvertently struck up several conversations about the Habitual Offender Law and the treatment of war veterans across the country .
The HOL has been severally accused of prejudice against people of color , evident in the outrageous sentences often meted out to convicts with minor offenses [ 2 ] .
The HOL works with the so-called “ 3 Strikes , You ’ re Out ” rule , imposing a mandatory life sentence on criminals who have committed certain crimes repeatedly .
Since its enactment in 1994 , the law has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ back several centuries , causing overpopulation in prisons , meting out sentences disproportionately , and outright racial prejudice against minorities and people of color .
A case similar to Harris ’ s but with a less encouraging outcome is that of Fair Wayne Bryant , a 62-year-old African-American male who was sentenced to life in prison by the Louisiana Supreme Court for stealing a pair of hedge clippers [ 3 ] .
Before his sentencing in 1997 , he ’ d been previously convicted of petty crimes such as possession of stolen items @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an uninhabited building .
He was finally sentenced to life in 1997 for stealing hedge clippers .
Wayne has spent 23 years in prison and his appeal for a review of his sentencing was denied by the Supreme Court in a widely criticized ruling .
Five white male judges voted to uphold the sentencing while a lone black female judge , the only African-American and also the only female on the panel , voted for an overturn .
Supreme Court Chief Justice Bernette Johnson later stated that “ the sentence imposed is excessive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ committed.
” Also , the reality of U.S. war veterans needs to be checked .
These men and women give their lives in service to protect their country , only to return home to a life where they must struggle to find their feet .
The demands of war and combat exposure will often result in a mental and physical breakdown , and lack of adequate care upon return to the home base is an escalation of their suffering .
According to the 2013 National Survey on Drug Use and Health , 1 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ disorder [ 4 ] .
Also , about 20 to 30 percent of war veterans suffer PTSD , sometimes in conjunction with drug and alcohol problems .
Veterans have access to poor and limited health care and are grossly underpaid for their priceless service to the country .
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development ( HUD ) “ estimates that 40,056 veterans are homeless on any given night ” [ 5 ] .
Harris ’ s story and its resurgence to the media is a call for the country to review @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and care .
Keep Reading : 5,000 People Respond to Boy ’ s Heartbreaking Plea : ‘ I Just Want a Mom ’

You’d think that buying eggs would be simple. In reality, it is actually quite complicated. There are eggs with various nutrients added to them, different sizes, traditional, organic, free-range – and they all come with a wide range of price tags. The question many people have is: Are cheap eggs as nutritious as the more expensive options? CBC Marketplace -a popular program produced by the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation – investigated. Here’s what they found. (1)
Are Cheap Eggs As Nutritious As Expensive Ones?
When choosing eggs from the grocery store refrigerator, you will see prices that range from $2.75 per dozen to nearly $8 per dozen. (1) That is quite a range. Journalists for CBC’s Marketplace noticed this disparity and wondered, “are cheap eggs as nutritious as the expensive ones?”
Typically, they found that the cheapest eggs are the conventional variety, and the more expensive are organic. For their investigation, they collected two cartons of each of different types of eggs from 14 brands from various stores across Toronto and the surrounding region. They then sent 29-dozen eggs to an accredited food science lab to test their nutritional content. (1)
The lab tested for (1):
Cholesterol level
Protein
Omega-3
Vitamins A, D, and E
The results were analyzed by two Toronto-based registered dietitians as well as a poultry nutritionist and professor from the University of Alberta. They found that the expensive organic eggs didn’t have any more nutritional value than the cheaper conventional ones. (1)
Read: People Are Turning Vegan After Watching Seaspiracy On Netflix, But How Accurate Is The Documentary?
Conventional Eggs Vs. Big Brand Organic Eggs
To begin, the researchers started by comparing the conventional eggs with the largest organic egg producers. In this instance, they found next to no differences nutritionally between the two. The only real disparity was in price: An average of $3.23 per dozen versus $6.98 per dozen. (1)
Moreover, some of the cheaper eggs actually had higher levels of some nutrients than the organic ones. Where the organic eggs did win out was in levels of Omega-3 fatty acids. One large egg had on average 0.13g of the essential fatty acid, whereas the conventional eggs typically had about 0.05g. (1)
Big Brand Organic Vs. Small Producers
Next, the researchers tested the large organic producers’ eggs against those of small organic producers. The small farmers beat out the large ones on nearly every level when it comes to the traditional content of their eggs. The stats per one large egg are as follows (small farm vs. big brand) (1):
3.25 mg vs. 2.16 mg vitamin E
31.65 IU vs. 20.50 IU vitamin D
Small farm eggs had 1 gram more of protein than large brands
Small farm eggs had slightly less cholesterol than large brands
“The small flocks have a greater opportunity to access the outdoors and some of the diversity of foods they might find out there,” said Gerald Poechman, an organic farmer with a flock of 6,000 birds near Hanover, Ont. (1)
Marketplace also found that free-run eggs and small farm organic eggs had no real differences in nutritional value. You will, however, pay about $6 per dozen free-run eggs versus $8 per dozen for small organic farm eggs. (1)
If Cheap Eggs Are As Nutritious, What Are You Really Paying For, Then?
So if you aren’t paying for added nutritional value, then what are you paying for with the more expensive egg brands? For starters, being certified organic isn’t free. Producers have to go through the recertification process every single year as well as undergo audits throughout the year. The certification costs money, not to mention organic feed for the hens is also more expensive than non-organic. (1)
The reasons to buy organic, from small producers, or free-range eggs go far beyond the perceived nutritional superiority. These reasons include:
Happy chickens who spend most of their lives happily exploring the outdoors instead of crammed in cages
Supporting small, local farmers and businesses
Not consuming products that have come in contact with pesticides and GMO products
Are cheap eggs as nutritious? Ultimately, the decision as to which eggs you should buy comes down to you and what is most important to you. If the price is #1, then you can rest assured that your family is eating a nutritionally adequate product. If not consuming GMOs or chemicals, supporting small businesses, or animal rights are of higher value to you than price, then pick one of those brands. At the end of the day, what winds up on your plate is entirely up to you.
Keep Reading: Irish Supreme Court Ruled: Subway Bread is Not Real Bread
Sources


theheartysoul--2020-08-27--The rare plants that ‘bleed’ nickel

The rare plants that ‘bleed’ nickel

Though necessary for many of the products we use on a daily basis , traditional nickel mining is not very environmentally-friendly .
This soil biologist has been working tirelessly since 2004 to find these special plants that naturally “ mine ” nickel to work on an alternative called phytomining .
So far , the results are promising .
( 1 ) The Indonesian island of Sulawesi was once filled with thriving vegetation .
The town of Sorowako in its center was home to a rich diversity of plants .
When the vast amounts of nickel were discovered in its soil @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the center for one of the largest nickel mining operations in the world , and the land around it was quickly stripped of essentially all of its plant life .
Only dusty roads and dirt were left behind .
( 1 ) In 2004 , soil biologist Aiyen Tjoa from Tadulako University in Central Sulawesi went to Sorowako in an attempt to find the few surviving plants .
These rare bushes and young trees are known as nickel hyper-accumulators .
( 1 ) Nickel hyper-accumulators are plants that have adapted to the nickel-rich @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are able to take up and store large quantities of the metal .
Normally , nickel is highly toxic to plants and can kill them in too-high quantities .
Nick hyper-accumulators are plants that have the ability to concentrate at least 1,000 micrograms of nickel per 1 gram of dried leaf .
Not only do these pants clean the soil of nickel , a natural toxin , but they also can be “ mined ” as an alternative source of nickel without damaging the environment .
In fact , these plants might be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ its former green , lush glory .
( 1 ) Hyper-accumulators bind nickel inside their cell walls or vacuoles in either their leaves , shoots , roots or sap .
Different species have different storage capacities , and they show it in different ways .
For example ( 1 ) : • Alyssum murale , native to Italy , can handle up to 30,000 micrograms of nickel per gram of dried leaf .
• Phyllantis baligoyii , native to Malaysia , have such a high nickel content that their sap turns a vibrant @ @ @ @ @ @ @ species of nickel hyper-accumulators documented currently around the world , however , most are found in places with far less plant diversity and far less soil nickel than Indonesia .
These are ( 1 ) : Interestingly enough , very few species have been found in Indonesia , despite it having some of the most nickel-rich soils and biologically diverse countries in the world .
According to Tjoa , this is because few people besides her have spent any time actually looking for them .
( 1 ) Once Tjoa had the permits @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sorowako , she quickly set out to search the area for the rare plants .
In the beginning , it was tough : For the first four years everything was on her own dime , and it was largely fruitless .
( 1 ) She was finally able to find two indigenous hyper-accumulators in 2008 : Knema matanensis and Sarcotheca celebica .
Each of these can store between 1,000 and 5,000 micrograms of nickel per gram of dried leaf .
( 1 ) Why Are Nickel Hyper-accumulators So Hard to Find ?
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to spot because they look largely just like any other plant .
Thankfully once you do identify one , there is a fool-proof test you can do using a circle of white detection paper that ’ s both fast and easy .
When leaves of nickel-containing plants are pressed against it , it instantly turns pink .
( 1 ) The next step is then to analyze the concentration of nickel in the lab .
This is important because just because a plant contains some nickel does not mean it is a hyper-accumulator @ @ @ @ @ @ @ concentration , it can be determined if the plant is or isn ’ t what you are looking for .
( 1 ) Phytomining is the process of cultivating these plants for the purpose of mineral extraction .
In order to do so in a way that is economically feasible , each plant needs to be able to accumulate at least 10,000 micrograms of nickel per gram of dried leaf .
( 1 ) So while the first two species Tjoa found were exciting , they weren ’ t enough .
Her research @ @ @ @ @ @ @ attention of Bandung Institute of Technology rock magnetism professor Satria Bijaksana .
He was researching the relationship between Sulawesi ’ s geology and ecology and thought that he could lend his expertise to the phytomining project .
( 1 ) Why Magnetism Can Help These hyper-accumulators have high quantities of metals , and so do their ashes after they ’ ve been burned .
Some of these metals are magnetic , in particular , iron .
It has been shown that nickel and iron uptake in these plants happen simultaneously , so Tjoa @ @ @ @ @ @ @ whether or not the plants become more magnetic the higher the nickel concentration .
( 1 ) They tested the ashes of two well-known hyper-accumulators and compared them with 10 plants indigenous to the Sulawesi and Halmahera areas .
They found that one of the indigenous plants was high in both metals .
( 1 ) This test is important because it speeds up the process of testing for hyper-accumulators because it gives less false positives than other methods .
( 1 ) Their study , which was published this past May , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hyper-accumulators .
The goal is that their study , along with continued research , will help people understand the value of phytomining in Indonesia .
( 1 ) Phytomining is positive for the environment and for industry ( 1 ) : • It collects a natural toxin from the soil , protecting the environment , • That metal ( nickel ) is used in products we use every single day , like the tap in your kitchen or the battery in your car .
The actual process of phytomining is also much easier @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which produce a ton of carbon dioxide , release radioactive elements , metallic dust , and naturally occurring asbestos-like substances into the ecosystem , all on top of stripping the area of its plant life .
The extraction of nickel from the plants doesn ’ t do any of that and is also quite easy to do ( 1 ) : • Prune the shoots ( these have the highest nickel concentration ) • Separate the nickel from the ash Though the burning does release carbon dioxide , as the pruned plants continue @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a few months .
This makes phytomining a net-zero carbon emissions process .
( 1 ) The plants can also help to rehabilitate the land that has been ravaged by traditional mining methods .
In the past , attempts have been made using other , non-hyper-accumulating plants , which do not work very well on account of the high nickel content of the soil .
The hyper-accumulators thrive there , effectively removing nickel from the soil and returning it to a more nutritive state .
This will eventually allow other plant species to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) It is estimated that hyper-accumulators can produce roughly 120kg of nickel per hectare every year , which is valued at about $ 1,754 per hectare .
( 1 ) In addition , traditional nickel mining can only extract the metal from soil that is at least 1 % nickel .
A hyper-accumulator , however , can take up high levels of the metal from soil that is only 0.1 % nickel .
( 1 ) This means that not only can phytomining help to restore traditionally-mined land , but it can also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that hasn ’ t been used before .
( 1 ) Phytomining can not fully replace traditional or open-pit nickel mining in Indonesia .
The country produces 5 % of the world ’ s nickel and exported 73 million tons of the metal in 2019 .
( 1 ) The goal is for phytomining to be implemented as an alternative form of agriculture for people living in rural areas on nickel-rich land .
( 1 ) So far , Tjoa has been frustrated by the lack of development of phytomining in Indonesia .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ state-owned mining firm PT Aneka Tambang ( Antam ) in 2009 , who at first supported her field trials .
The collaboration was later terminated by Antam , in part due to company restructuring .
Over 10 years later , she still has not been able to re-open that partnership .
( 1 ) Despite this , Tjoa has not lost hope .
They ’ ve found an untouched forest in the Morowali Nature Reserve in central Sulawesi that is made up of the exact type of soil hyper-accumulators love .
Until now @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for them .
( 1 ) She was also contacted by an American investor in 2017 who is planning on funding her 5,000-hectare trial in Sulawesi .
( 1 ) For this trial , she will use a native Italian species , because it is a safe bet .
From there she hopes to transition into using native Indonesian species that will be better for the natural ecosystem .
( 1 ) The eventual goal is to have phytomining included in every mining zone .
Firms would be required to reserve a section @ @ @ @ @ @ @ zones and use the plants instead .
This would create less waste , both toxic and non-toxic , and ultimately , preserve the ecosystem .
( 1 )

Though necessary for many of the products we use on a daily basis, traditional nickel mining is not very environmentally-friendly. This soil biologist has been working tirelessly since 2004 to find these special plants that naturally “mine” nickel to work on an alternative called phytomining. So far, the results are promising. (1)
The Search for Nickel Hyper-accumulators
The Indonesian island of Sulawesi was once filled with thriving vegetation. The town of Sorowako in its center was home to a rich diversity of plants. When the vast amounts of nickel were discovered in its soil, however, the town quickly became the center for one of the largest nickel mining operations in the world, and the land around it was quickly stripped of essentially all of its plant life. Only dusty roads and dirt were left behind. (1)
In 2004, soil biologist Aiyen Tjoa from Tadulako University in Central Sulawesi went to Sorowako in an attempt to find the few surviving plants. These rare bushes and young trees are known as nickel hyper-accumulators. (1)
What Are Nickel Hyper-accumulators?
Nickel hyper-accumulators are plants that have adapted to the nickel-rich environment that they are living in and are able to take up and store large quantities of the metal. Normally, nickel is highly toxic to plants and can kill them in too-high quantities. Nick hyper-accumulators are plants that have the ability to concentrate at least 1,000 micrograms of nickel per 1 gram of dried leaf.
Not only do these pants clean the soil of nickel, a natural toxin, but they also can be “mined” as an alternative source of nickel without damaging the environment. In fact, these plants might be able to restore the ecosystem back to its former green, lush glory. (1)
Hyper-accumulators bind nickel inside their cell walls or vacuoles in either their leaves, shoots, roots or sap. Different species have different storage capacities, and they show it in different ways. For example (1):
Alyssum murale, native to Italy, can handle up to 30,000 micrograms of nickel per gram of dried leaf.
Phyllantis baligoyii, native to Malaysia, have such a high nickel content that their sap turns a vibrant green color.
There are about 450 species of nickel hyper-accumulators documented currently around the world, however, most are found in places with far less plant diversity and far less soil nickel than Indonesia. These are (1):
Cuba (130 species)
Southern Europe (45 species)
New Caledonia (65 species)
Malaysia (24 species)
Interestingly enough, very few species have been found in Indonesia, despite it having some of the most nickel-rich soils and biologically diverse countries in the world. According to Tjoa, this is because few people besides her have spent any time actually looking for them. (1)
Tjoa’s Search
Once Tjoa had the permits she needed from the mining company in Sorowako, she quickly set out to search the area for the rare plants. In the beginning, it was tough: For the first four years everything was on her own dime, and it was largely fruitless. (1)
She was finally able to find two indigenous hyper-accumulators in 2008: Knema matanensis and Sarcotheca celebica. Each of these can store between 1,000 and 5,000 micrograms of nickel per gram of dried leaf. (1)
Why Are Nickel Hyper-accumulators So Hard to Find?
The issue is that these plants are difficult to spot because they look largely just like any other plant. Thankfully once you do identify one, there is a fool-proof test you can do using a circle of white detection paper that’s both fast and easy. When leaves of nickel-containing plants are pressed against it, it instantly turns pink. (1)
The next step is then to analyze the concentration of nickel in the lab. This is important because just because a plant contains some nickel does not mean it is a hyper-accumulator. (1) Once tested for concentration, it can be determined if the plant is or isn’t what you are looking for. (1)
Phytomining
Phytomining is the process of cultivating these plants for the purpose of mineral extraction. In order to do so in a way that is economically feasible, each plant needs to be able to accumulate at least 10,000 micrograms of nickel per gram of dried leaf. (1) So while the first two species Tjoa found were exciting, they weren’t enough.
Her research and findings, however, attracted the attention of Bandung Institute of Technology rock magnetism professor Satria Bijaksana. He was researching the relationship between Sulawesi’s geology and ecology and thought that he could lend his expertise to the phytomining project. (1)
Why Magnetism Can Help
These hyper-accumulators have high quantities of metals, and so do their ashes after they’ve been burned. Some of these metals are magnetic, in particular, iron. It has been shown that nickel and iron uptake in these plants happen simultaneously, so Tjoa and Bijaksana created an experiment to see whether or not the plants become more magnetic the higher the nickel concentration. (1)
They tested the ashes of two well-known hyper-accumulators and compared them with 10 plants indigenous to the Sulawesi and Halmahera areas. They found that one of the indigenous plants was high in both metals. (1)
This test is important because it speeds up the process of testing for hyper-accumulators because it gives less false positives than other methods. (1)
“We think using magnetism could speed up the process because it only detects high concentrations of nickel,” says Bijaksana (1)
Their study, which was published this past May, also identified two more species of nickel hyper-accumulators. The goal is that their study, along with continued research, will help people understand the value of phytomining in Indonesia. (1)
Read: Chernobyl shocker as fungi that eats radiation found inside nuclear reactor
The Environmental Benefits of Phytomining
Phytomining is positive for the environment and for industry (1):
It collects a natural toxin from the soil, protecting the environment,
That metal (nickel) is used in products we use every single day, like the tap in your kitchen or the battery in your car.
The actual process of phytomining is also much easier on the ecosystem than traditional methods, which produce a ton of carbon dioxide, release radioactive elements, metallic dust, and naturally occurring asbestos-like substances into the ecosystem, all on top of stripping the area of its plant life. The extraction of nickel from the plants doesn’t do any of that and is also quite easy to do (1):
Prune the shoots (these have the highest nickel concentration) Burn the shoots Separate the nickel from the ash
Though the burning does release carbon dioxide, as the pruned plants continue to grow, they recapture it within a few months. This makes phytomining a net-zero carbon emissions process.(1)
The plants can also help to rehabilitate the land that has been ravaged by traditional mining methods. In the past, attempts have been made using other, non-hyper-accumulating plants, which do not work very well on account of the high nickel content of the soil. The hyper-accumulators thrive there, effectively removing nickel from the soil and returning it to a more nutritive state. This will eventually allow other plant species to return to the area. (1)
Economic Benefits
It is estimated that hyper-accumulators can produce roughly 120kg of nickel per hectare every year, which is valued at about $1,754 per hectare. (1) In addition, traditional nickel mining can only extract the metal from soil that is at least 1% nickel. A hyper-accumulator, however, can take up high levels of the metal from soil that is only 0.1% nickel. (1)
This means that not only can phytomining help to restore traditionally-mined land, but it can also be used to “mine” land that hasn’t been used before. (1)
Not a Complete Replacement
Phytomining cannot fully replace traditional or open-pit nickel mining in Indonesia. The country produces 5% of the world’s nickel and exported 73 million tons of the metal in 2019. (1) The goal is for phytomining to be implemented as an alternative form of agriculture for people living in rural areas on nickel-rich land. (1)
Difficulty Gaining Traction
So far, Tjoa has been frustrated by the lack of development of phytomining in Indonesia. She tried to connect Indonesia’s state-owned mining firm PT Aneka Tambang (Antam) in 2009, who at first supported her field trials. The collaboration was later terminated by Antam, in part due to company restructuring. Over 10 years later, she still has not been able to re-open that partnership. (1)
Despite this, Tjoa has not lost hope. They’ve found an untouched forest in the Morowali Nature Reserve in central Sulawesi that is made up of the exact type of soil hyper-accumulators love. Until now, no one has thought to look for them. (1)
She was also contacted by an American investor in 2017 who is planning on funding her 5,000-hectare trial in Sulawesi. (1) For this trial, she will use a native Italian species, because it is a safe bet. From there she hopes to transition into using native Indonesian species that will be better for the natural ecosystem. (1)
“Maybe we have to use it first to convince Indonesian government that phytomining works,” she says. (1)
The eventual goal is to have phytomining included in every mining zone. Firms would be required to reserve a section of the rainforest in each of their zones and use the plants instead. This would create less waste, both toxic and non-toxic, and ultimately, preserve the ecosystem. (1)
Read: Bacteria that eat metal accidentally discovered by scientists
https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20200825-indonesia-the-plants-that-mine-poisonous-metals


theheartysoul--2020-08-27--This Virtual Globe Can Show You How the Earth Looked Millions of Years Ago

The Earth has changed a lot .
This interactive globe displays the world as it has been from today to 750 million years ago .
It displays the continental drift that occurred as land formed into the map we are familiar with today .
To add a personal touch to this journey of the ages , the map allows the user to pinpoint whichever city they choose .
This allows them to view the journey of that city as the world evolved .
[ 1 ] Co.Design partnered with the globe engineer and Google alum Ian Webster and Paleomap Project @ @ @ @ @ @ @ page , which they called Ancient Earth .
The map contains geographical information scientists have discovered about the past 750 million years .
Here ’ s a tip : Skip to the farthest back you could go then watch as the world shapes into the one we know .
You can also enter your city or street address to see where it would have been in each time era .
For instance , New York was just a small island in the southern hemisphere five million years ago .
At that time , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , almost on top of the South Pole .
[ 2 ] Pangea was the ancient supercontinent formed by other continental units , all surrounded by oceans .
Then , scientists believe about 175 million years go , magma began to push this supercontinent in varying directions until the globe had the seven continents we live on today .
[ 3 ] You could use the arrow keys on your computer to flip through one era to the next and read about each event that had taken place there , like the mass @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of coral reefs .
You will see that Pangaea didn ’ t split into the seven continents so easily .
There have been several lost continents that disappeared during the evolution .
No Map Depicting The Earth Millions of Years Ago is Perfect Although these global images are very interesting , Webster states that their maps are only approximate .
“ Even though plate tectonic models return precise results , you should consider the plots approximate ( obviously we will never be able to prove correctness ) , ” he wrote on Hacker @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I found that model results can vary significantly .
I chose this particular model because it is widely cited and covers the greatest length of time.
” [ 4 ] In comments to his post , he adds that the maps have incited some angry geologists because his maps don ’ t advance their theories .
As he said , it ’ s impossible for anyone to prove exactly how the world was that long ago , but his work is a beautiful way of exploring what the past might have been .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ There are Ancient Ruins Older Than The Pyramids In Canada More about Pangaea and the Earth Millions of Years Ago One theory suggests that Pangaea was formed as the Earth ’ s outer shell was broken into several plates that slide over the mantle , the rocky shell in the Earth .
The ocean surrounding this supercontinent was called Panthalassa .
As eras passed , more supercontinents formed and broke away because of the movement in the mantle .
This slow formation caused and altered history on this planet .
“ This is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the planet through time .
This is the major backbeat of the planet , ” said Brendan Murphy , a geology professor at the St. Francis Xavier University , in Antigonish , Nova Scotia .
Over a hundred years ago , scientist Alfred Wegener introduced the idea of a supercontinent named Pangea , or also written as Pangea .
He came to this conclusion after discovering that our seven continents fit together like puzzle pieces .
Also , there are geologic reasons , such as coal deposits in Pennsylvania have an alike @ @ @ @ @ @ @ This shows that America and Europe could have been connected to one mass of land .
One huge landmass created a very different climatic cycle we know of today .
For instance , it ’ s believed that the center of Pangaea was hot and desert-like since it was trapped between massive mountain ranges .
The weather was extremely seasonal according to a 2016 article in the journal Palaeogeography , Palaeoclimatology , Palaeoecology .
The researchers came to this conclusion using biological and physical data from the fossil soils in northern Niger .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ and climate that could have been on Pangaea .
During this time , several animals flourished , including ancestors of the mammals we know of nowadays .
Its fauna also included insects like beetles and dragonflies .
[ 6 ] Researchers deduce that the world is not done shifting and it ’ s likely the Earth will eventually split off into different continents once again .
Right now , Australia seems to be moving toward Asia and eastern Africa seems to be drifting away from the rest of Africa .
It ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ such a short period of time but Ancient Earth can give us a clue as to how the plant had changed in the past .
Keep Reading : An Aquarium Is Washing Old Wish Coins To Pay Bills During The Pandemic

The Earth has changed a lot. This interactive globe displays the world as it has been from today to 750 million years ago. It displays the continental drift that occurred as land formed into the map we are familiar with today. To add a personal touch to this journey of the ages, the map allows the user to pinpoint whichever city they choose. This allows them to view the journey of that city as the world evolved. [1]
Ancient Earth, the Interactive Digital Map
Co.Design partnered with the globe engineer and Google alum Ian Webster and Paleomap Project creator C.R. Scotese to create the page, which they called Ancient Earth. The map contains geographical information scientists have discovered about the past 750 million years.
Here’s a tip: Skip to the farthest back you could go then watch as the world shapes into the one we know. You can also enter your city or street address to see where it would have been in each time era. For instance, New York was just a small island in the southern hemisphere five million years ago. At that time, London was still a part of Pangaea, almost on top of the South Pole. [2]
Pangea was the ancient supercontinent formed by other continental units, all surrounded by oceans. Then, scientists believe about 175 million years go, magma began to push this supercontinent in varying directions until the globe had the seven continents we live on today. [3]
You could use the arrow keys on your computer to flip through one era to the next and read about each event that had taken place there, like the mass wipeout of dinosaur life and the emerging of coral reefs. You will see that Pangaea didn’t split into the seven continents so easily. There have been several lost continents that disappeared during the evolution.
Read: Boy Accidentally Finds 66-Million-Year-Old Dinosaur Eggs
No Map Depicting The Earth Millions of Years Ago is Perfect
Although these global images are very interesting, Webster states that their maps are only approximate. “Even though plate tectonic models return precise results, you should consider the plots approximate (obviously we will never be able to prove correctness),” he wrote on Hacker News. “In my tests, I found that model results can vary significantly. I chose this particular model because it is widely cited and covers the greatest length of time.” [4]
In comments to his post, he adds that the maps have incited some angry geologists because his maps don’t advance their theories. As he said, it’s impossible for anyone to prove exactly how the world was that long ago, but his work is a beautiful way of exploring what the past might have been. Click here to begin.
Read: There are Ancient Ruins Older Than The Pyramids In Canada
More about Pangaea and the Earth Millions of Years Ago
One theory suggests that Pangaea was formed as the Earth’s outer shell was broken into several plates that slide over the mantle, the rocky shell in the Earth. The ocean surrounding this supercontinent was called Panthalassa. As eras passed, more supercontinents formed and broke away because of the movement in the mantle. This slow formation caused and altered history on this planet.
“This is what’s driven the entire evolution of the planet through time. This is the major backbeat of the planet,” said Brendan Murphy, a geology professor at the St. Francis Xavier University, in Antigonish, Nova Scotia.
Over a hundred years ago, scientist Alfred Wegener introduced the idea of a supercontinent named Pangea, or also written as Pangea. He came to this conclusion after discovering that our seven continents fit together like puzzle pieces. Also, there are geologic reasons, such as coal deposits in Pennsylvania have an alike composition to the ones in Poland. This shows that America and Europe could have been connected to one mass of land.
Life on Pangaea
One huge landmass created a very different climatic cycle we know of today. For instance, it’s believed that the center of Pangaea was hot and desert-like since it was trapped between massive mountain ranges. The weather was extremely seasonal according to a 2016 article in the journal Palaeogeography, Palaeoclimatology, Palaeoecology. The researchers came to this conclusion using biological and physical data from the fossil soils in northern Niger. They used this to reconstruct the ecosystem and climate that could have been on Pangaea.
During this time, several animals flourished, including ancestors of the mammals we know of nowadays. Its fauna also included insects like beetles and dragonflies. [6]
Researchers deduce that the world is not done shifting and it’s likely the Earth will eventually split off into different continents once again. Right now, Australia seems to be moving toward Asia and eastern Africa seems to be drifting away from the rest of Africa. It’s hard to track some large movement in such a short period of time but Ancient Earth can give us a clue as to how the plant had changed in the past.


theheartysoul--2020-08-27--If the Mosquitos Always go Straight for You, Here’s What You Need to Know

Summer in the northern hemisphere is a special time .
For a few short months of the year , we get to shed our coats and sweaters and enjoy some warm weather and sunshine .
While the hot temperatures and long days make many of us want to get outside and stay there as much as possible , it comes with one drawback : mosquitos .
For decades many enjoyable camping trips , bonfires , evening jogs , or patio beers have been marred by these pesky insects .
They leave itchy , red bumps all over our bodies , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ search for our blood .
But have you ever noticed that some people seem to get bitten more often than others ?
Certainly if you are one of those unlucky individuals you are well acquainted with this frustrating phenomenon , but it ’ s not just pure coincidence .
While pinpointing the exact reason why you might be a more frequent target than your companions is difficult , there are a few factors that could make one person more appealing to mosquitos than another .
No doubt at some point in your life @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a particularly itchy bite , you ’ ve wondered why the mosquito even bit you in the first place .
The answer to this is actually quite simple .
First of all , male mosquitoes don ’ t bite .
This is because they consume pollen and nectar from plants as opposed to blood for sustenance .
While the females do like flowers , they require blood so that they have enough protein to produce eggs [ 1 ] .
Once a female has a blood meal , she can produce and deposit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ time [ 2 ] .
Why Some People Get Bit More Often than Others This question , unfortunately for those who seem to make a common meal for mosquitoes , is a bit more complex .
There are many factors that influence who the mosquitoes will flock to , and not all of them are well-understood , but in order to understand why you get bit more often than others , you first need to understand what attracts them in the first place .
Mosquitoes use an organ called a maxillary palp ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ see image below ] ) , which has receptors that help it detect carbon dioxide from as far as 150 feet away .
According to Joe Conlon , a medical entomologist and technical advisor with the American Mosquito Control Association , the pests follow a CO2 trail like a shark follows a blood trail [ 3 ] .
Since we all emit carbon dioxide when we breathe , mosquitos can find us pretty easily .
Research has shown that different species of mosquitoes may respond differently to carbon dioxide , but any increase @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a potential host is nearby [ 4 ] .
Anyone who has a higher metabolic rate , which means they are expelling more carbon dioxide , will be more attractive to mosquitoes .
For this reason , you are more likely to get bitten while you are breathing heavily because of exercising , or if you are a larger person [ 3 ] .
The human body exudes many other compounds besides CO2 , and unfortunately the number and type of compounds that make up your body odor are largely out of your @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lactic acid .
Lactic acid is ten to one hundred times more abundant on human skin than other animals , which could explain why people tend to get bit more often [ 5 ] .
Ammonia is another compound found on your skin that attracts mosquitoes , and for some species may be just as attractive as lactic acid [ 6 ] .
Scientists are still not certain as to why some people ’ s body odor makes them more of a target for mosquitoes than others , however it could be caused @ @ @ @ @ @ @ certain type of bacteria on the skin .
If you are related to someone who seems to be more susceptible to mosquito bites , you likely will be too , and it appears that those with a high diversity of microbes on their skin are less susceptible [ 7,8 ] .
Additionally , if you wear perfume or cologne , you may be inadvertently making yourself more of a target to the pests .
This is because even the female insects like flowers , and a scent from perfume or even a scented @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 1 ] .
Research has shown that mosquitoes appear to be more attracted to dark colors , like black or navy blue [ 9 ] .
The reason for this is still not entirely clear , however , some theories do exist .
“ Mosquitoes partially rely on their vision to find their hosts , and dark-colored clothing can make it easier for them to find you , ” says Nancy Troyano , Ph.D. , board-certified entomologist and director of operations education and training for Ehrlich Pest Control [ 1 ] .
Basically @ @ @ @ @ @ @ black shirt against a lighter backdrop , like the grass or the horizon , you ’ re easier to spot .
Our bodies generate heat constantly , and the levels of water vapor on our skin will vary depending on the temperature of the air .
A mosquito can detect this heat and moisture as it gets closer to you , helping it to find its target .
Research has shown that mosquitos will move toward targets that are a desirable temperature [ 10 ] .
This is another reason why you might @ @ @ @ @ @ @ after exercise- your body temperature is elevated and your skin has more moisture on it from sweat .
That , coupled with an increased CO2 output and a stronger body odor makes you a perfect target .
While sitting on a patio at sunset with a cold beer is a favorite way to spend a summer evening for many , it may also make you more desirable to mosquitoes .
A relatively small study in 2002 found that participants had many more mosquitoes land on them after they had consumed a beer than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hasn ’ t been investigated in-depth , it is something to consider next time you ’ re enjoying your evening backyard brew .
As if being pregnant wasn ’ t already difficult enough , it turns out that women may be more attractive to mosquitoes while they ’ re expecting .
Research has determined two possible reasons behind this : greater carbon dioxide exhalation and higher body temperature .
It appears that pregnant women exhale 21 percent more CO2 than non-pregnant women , and their body temperatures are 0.7 degrees celsius higher , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bitten by mosquitoes [ 12 ] .
There has been some research to suggest that people with type O blood are more susceptible to mosquito bites than those with type A or B .
The reason for this , however , is still not yet understood and more research is required [ 13 ] .
Read : The Anti-Skeeter Canopy Chair of Your Dreams .
It ’ s Time To Enjoy The Outdoors , Bite-Free Even if you have many of the aforementioned characteristics to make you more appealing to the blood-sucking insects @ @ @ @ @ @ @ take to prevent mosquitoes from treating you like an all-you-can-eat buffet .
First things first , wear bug repellent .
The CDC recommends using one that has been registered with the Environmental Protection Agency , and with one of the following active ingredients : • Picaridin ( known as KBR 3023 and icaridin outside the US ) It is also wise to wear light-colored clothing and avoid going outside at peak mosquito times , which are at dawn and dusk .
If you are going out during those times , try to wear @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to reduce the area that ’ s available for mosquitoes to bite .
In order to reduce the number of mosquitoes in and around your home , get rid of any standing water in buckets or eaves troughs , and change the water in wading pools and birdbaths frequently .
To keep mosquitoes out of your home , never leave doors or windows open without a screen covering [ 15 ] .
Read : 16 Plants That Help You Get Rid of Bugs If you ’ ve been bit by a mosquito , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ swelling and of course , itching .
In order to do this , follow these steps : • Don ’ t scratch .
It could make the swelling worse and if you break the skin the bite is more likely to become infected .
• Apply a cold compress .
This could be a wet towel or a cold pack applied to the affected area .
This helps to bring down the swelling and reduce the itch .
• Use an over-the-counter antihistamine like Benadryl if you have a stronger reaction to a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ through the summer without a single mosquito bite may be wishful thinking .
However , the bottom line is that as long as you take the necessary precautions , you can enjoy a summer of outdoor fun without getting attacked by mosquitoes constantly .
As with anything , prevention is your best line of defense , so do your best to protect yourself from bites .
Doing so will ensure that your summer memories revolve around outdoor fun , and not scratching incessantly at dozens of mosquito bites .
Keep Reading : Grow @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Repel Mosquitoes , Keep You Relaxed And Relieve Your Headache

Summer in the northern hemisphere is a special time. For a few short months of the year, we get to shed our coats and sweaters and enjoy some warm weather and sunshine. While the hot temperatures and long days make many of us want to get outside and stay there as much as possible, it comes with one drawback: mosquitos.
For decades many enjoyable camping trips, bonfires, evening jogs, or patio beers have been marred by these pesky insects. They leave itchy, red bumps all over our bodies, and they’re on a relentless search for our blood. But have you ever noticed that some people seem to get bitten more often than others?
Certainly if you are one of those unlucky individuals you are well acquainted with this frustrating phenomenon, but it’s not just pure coincidence. While pinpointing the exact reason why you might be a more frequent target than your companions is difficult, there are a few factors that could make one person more appealing to mosquitos than another.
Why Mosquitoes Bite
No doubt at some point in your life, while you were scratching away at a particularly itchy bite, you’ve wondered why the mosquito even bit you in the first place. The answer to this is actually quite simple.
First of all, male mosquitoes don’t bite. This is because they consume pollen and nectar from plants as opposed to blood for sustenance. While the females do like flowers, they require blood so that they have enough protein to produce eggs. Once a female has a blood meal, she can produce and deposit thirty to three hundred eggs at one time [2].
Why Some People Get Bit More Often than Others
This question, unfortunately for those who seem to make a common meal for mosquitoes, is a bit more complex.
There are many factors that influence who the mosquitoes will flock to, and not all of them are well-understood, but in order to understand why you get bit more often than others, you first need to understand what attracts them in the first place.
1. Carbon Dioxide
Mosquitoes use an organ called a maxillary palp (essentially its version of a nose [see image below]), which has receptors that help it detect carbon dioxide from as far as 150 feet away. According to Joe Conlon, a medical entomologist and technical advisor with the American Mosquito Control Association, the pests follow a CO2 trail like a shark follows a blood trail [3].
Mosquito anatomy showing the scent detecting organs the maxillary palps and the antennae.
Image Credit: University of Notre Dame
Since we all emit carbon dioxide when we breathe, mosquitos can find us pretty easily. Research has shown that different species of mosquitoes may respond differently to carbon dioxide, but any increase in CO2 output will alert them that a potential host is nearby [4].
Anyone who has a higher metabolic rate, which means they are expelling more carbon dioxide, will be more attractive to mosquitoes. For this reason, you are more likely to get bitten while you are breathing heavily because of exercising, or if you are a larger person [3].
2. Body Odor
The human body exudes many other compounds besides CO2, and unfortunately the number and type of compounds that make up your body odor are largely out of your control.
One of these compounds is lactic acid. Lactic acid is ten to one hundred times more abundant on human skin than other animals, which could explain why people tend to get bit more often [5].
Ammonia is another compound found on your skin that attracts mosquitoes, and for some species may be just as attractive as lactic acid [6].
Scientists are still not certain as to why some people’s body odor makes them more of a target for mosquitoes than others, however it could be caused by genetics or having more of a certain type of bacteria on the skin.
If you are related to someone who seems to be more susceptible to mosquito bites, you likely will be too, and it appears that those with a high diversity of microbes on their skin are less susceptible [7,8].
Additionally, if you wear perfume or cologne, you may be inadvertently making yourself more of a target to the pests. This is because even the female insects like flowers, and a scent from perfume or even a scented lotion could draw them to you [1].
Read: The Perfectly Imperfect Guide to What Your Future Child Will Look Like
3. Colors
Research has shown that mosquitoes appear to be more attracted to dark colors, like black or navy blue [9]. The reason for this is still not entirely clear, however, some theories do exist.
“Mosquitoes partially rely on their vision to find their hosts, and dark-colored clothing can make it easier for them to find you,” says Nancy Troyano, Ph.D., board-certified entomologist and director of operations education and training for Ehrlich Pest Control [1].
Basically, if you’re wearing a black shirt against a lighter backdrop, like the grass or the horizon, you’re easier to spot.
4. Heat and Water
Our bodies generate heat constantly, and the levels of water vapor on our skin will vary depending on the temperature of the air. A mosquito can detect this heat and moisture as it gets closer to you, helping it to find its target. Research has shown that mosquitos will move toward targets that are a desirable temperature [10].
This is another reason why you might be more attractive to mosquitoes during and after exercise- your body temperature is elevated and your skin has more moisture on it from sweat. That, coupled with an increased CO2 output and a stronger body odor makes you a perfect target.
5. Alcohol
While sitting on a patio at sunset with a cold beer is a favorite way to spend a summer evening for many, it may also make you more desirable to mosquitoes. A relatively small study in 2002 found that participants had many more mosquitoes land on them after they had consumed a beer than before [11].
While this hasn’t been investigated in-depth, it is something to consider next time you’re enjoying your evening backyard brew.
6. Pregnancy
As if being pregnant wasn’t already difficult enough, it turns out that women may be more attractive to mosquitoes while they’re expecting. Research has determined two possible reasons behind this: greater carbon dioxide exhalation and higher body temperature.
It appears that pregnant women exhale 21 percent more CO2 than non-pregnant women, and their body temperatures are 0.7 degrees celsius higher, making them twice as likely to be bitten by mosquitoes [12].
7. Blood Type
There has been some research to suggest that people with type O blood are more susceptible to mosquito bites than those with type A or B. The reason for this, however, is still not yet understood and more research is required [13].
How to Prevent Mosquito Bites
Even if you have many of the aforementioned characteristics to make you more appealing to the blood-sucking insects, there are still steps you can take to prevent mosquitoes from treating you like an all-you-can-eat buffet.
First things first, wear bug repellent. The CDC recommends using one that has been registered with the Environmental Protection Agency, and with one of the following active ingredients:
DEET
Picaridin (known as KBR 3023 and icaridin outside the US)
IR3535
Oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE)
Para-menthane-diol
2-undecanone [14]
It is also wise to wear light-colored clothing and avoid going outside at peak mosquito times, which are at dawn and dusk. If you are going out during those times, try to wear long pants and long-sleeved shirts in order to reduce the area that’s available for mosquitoes to bite.
In order to reduce the number of mosquitoes in and around your home, get rid of any standing water in buckets or eaves troughs, and change the water in wading pools and birdbaths frequently. To keep mosquitoes out of your home, never leave doors or windows open without a screen covering [15].
How to Treat Mosquito Bites
If you’ve been bit by a mosquito, you want to try to minimize any swelling and of course, itching. In order to do this, follow these steps:
Don’t scratch. It could make the swelling worse and if you break the skin the bite is more likely to become infected.
It could make the swelling worse and if you break the skin the bite is more likely to become infected. Apply a cold compress. This could be a wet towel or a cold pack applied to the affected area. This helps to bring down the swelling and reduce the itch.
This could be a wet towel or a cold pack applied to the affected area. This helps to bring down the swelling and reduce the itch. Apply calamine lotion to relieve the itch.
to relieve the itch. Use an over-the-counter antihistamine like Benadryl if you have a stronger reaction to a mosquito bite [15].
Enjoy Your Summer Itch-Free
Getting through the summer without a single mosquito bite may be wishful thinking. However, the bottom line is that as long as you take the necessary precautions, you can enjoy a summer of outdoor fun without getting attacked by mosquitoes constantly.
As with anything, prevention is your best line of defense, so do your best to protect yourself from bites. Doing so will ensure that your summer memories revolve around outdoor fun, and not scratching incessantly at dozens of mosquito bites.
Keep Reading: Firefighters Want Everyone To Know What They Should Never Plug Into A Power Strip
Sources


theheartysoul--2020-08-27--Healthy, Mouthwatering Recipe for Spiced Sweet Potato Muffins (Gluten-Free and Vegan)

Let ’ s face it : Muffins are just cupcakes we eat in the morning .
We pretend muffins are healthier because we swap the frosting for healthier ingredients like bananas , bran , and berries .
And hey , there ’ s no shame in craving something sweet to start the day .
However , super sugary foods like many cereal brands , donuts , and yes , even muffins , can lead to a blood sugar spike and low energy later on in the day .
Fortunately , you can still have your cake and eat it — @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of a healthy breakfast especially when you choose one made with wholesome ingredients .
The ingredients in this muffin recipe fit nicely into a healthy diet .
Here are some of their health benefits : Let ’ s start with the title ingredient : Sweet Potato .
This root vegetable is high in fiber and an array of minerals and vitamins , including iron , calcium , and many B and C vitamins .
One of the sweet potato ’ s most noteworthy traits is that it is high in an antioxidant called @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the risk of cancer .
[ 1 ] Among the spices used in this recipe , cinnamon is the most popular .
Studies have suggested that compounds in this spice have antioxidant , anti-inflammatory , and antimicrobial elements .
However , more research is needed to secure these claims .
Still , there ’ s enough evidence proving the physical benefits of cinnamon .
For one , researchers found that diets rich in spices such as cinnamon can aid in reducing the body ’ s negative response to high-fat foods .
[ 2 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which was used in traditional medicine throughout history .
For example , it has the potential to aid digestion , fight nausea , and alleviate the flu and common cold symptoms .
With all of its medicinal properties , ginger is a superfood that truly deserves that title .
[ 3 ] Turmeric has already been spoken about extensively , and for good reason .
Like ginger , it has been historically renowned for its medicinal properties .
“ Curcumin is a natural antioxidant that has anti-inflammatory benefits , as well as [ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ aging process and preventing Alzheimer ’ s disease and potentially depression , ” says San Diego , California–based Elizabeth Ann Shaw , RDN , owner of Shaw ’ s Simple Swaps Consulting .
[ 4 ] These muffins also contain two coconut-based ingredients : Coconut milk and coconut flour .
Coconut milk has become a popular choice for vegans and people who can ’ t consume dairy .
The fruit , coconut , is high in healthy fats that are also found in coconut milk .
These fats are used for energy and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fat .
[ 5 ] These benefits are more potent in actual coconut meat or in coconut flour .
Coconut flour is also high in fiber , with just one tablespoon providing about 10 % of the daily recommended intake .
This flour has a low glycemic index , which means causes less of a blood sugar spike than regular flour .
[ 6 ] These muffins are naturally gluten-free , refined sugar-free , dairy-free , and vegan .
Even if you don ’ t have food sensitives , you could enjoy these @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and energized all morning .
You won ’ t even miss their sugar-laden counterparts .
• 1 small sweet potato , roasted ( should be about 1 cup , packed ) • 3 tbsp ground flaxseed in ½ cup of water ( Let the flaxseed sit in water for 10 minutes .
This substitutes as an egg ) • Use a skewer to make a dozen or more holes in your sweet potato skin , then cook it on a baking tray for an hour , or until soft .
• Allow potato @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in half and scoop out the insides into a large bowl .
Add the flaxseed , coconut milk , olive oil , and maple syrup .
Combine until smooth .
• In a separate bowl , mix all of the dry ingredients , then add these to the potato mixture and stir until properly combined .
• Oil your muffin tray thoroughly with coconut oil , then pour the batter evenly into the muffin tray so that each one is approximately ⅔ full .

Let’s face it: Muffins are just cupcakes we eat in the morning. We pretend muffins are healthier because we swap the frosting for healthier ingredients like bananas, bran, and berries. And hey, there’s no shame in craving something sweet to start the day. However, super sugary foods like many cereal brands, donuts, and yes, even muffins, can lead to a blood sugar spike and low energy later on in the day.
Fortunately, you can still have your cake and eat it — literally. Muffins can be a part of a healthy breakfast especially when you choose one made with wholesome ingredients.
Health Benefits of These Spiced Sweet Potato Muffins
The ingredients in this muffin recipe fit nicely into a healthy diet. Here are some of their health benefits:
Sweet potato
Let’s start with the title ingredient: Sweet Potato. This root vegetable is high in fiber and an array of minerals and vitamins, including iron, calcium, and many B and C vitamins. One of the sweet potato’s most noteworthy traits is that it is high in an antioxidant called beta-carotene, which is known for potentially lowering the risk of cancer. [1]
Cinnamon
Among the spices used in this recipe, cinnamon is the most popular. Studies have suggested that compounds in this spice have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial elements. However, more research is needed to secure these claims. Still, there’s enough evidence proving the physical benefits of cinnamon. For one, researchers found that diets rich in spices such as cinnamon can aid in reducing the body’s negative response to high-fat foods. [2]
Ginger
Another spice included is ginger, which was used in traditional medicine throughout history. For example, it has the potential to aid digestion, fight nausea, and alleviate the flu and common cold symptoms. With all of its medicinal properties, ginger is a superfood that truly deserves that title. [3]
Turmeric
Turmeric has already been spoken about extensively, and for good reason. Like ginger, it has been historically renowned for its medicinal properties. “Curcumin is a natural antioxidant that has anti-inflammatory benefits, as well as [possible] benefits related to slowing the aging process and preventing Alzheimer’s disease and potentially depression,” says San Diego, California–based Elizabeth Ann Shaw, RDN, owner of Shaw’s Simple Swaps Consulting. [4]
Coconut
These muffins also contain two coconut-based ingredients: Coconut milk and coconut flour. Coconut milk has become a popular choice for vegans and people who can’t consume dairy. The fruit, coconut, is high in healthy fats that are also found in coconut milk. These fats are used for energy and are less likely to be stored as fat. [5] These benefits are more potent in actual coconut meat or in coconut flour.
Coconut flour is also high in fiber, with just one tablespoon providing about 10% of the daily recommended intake. This flour has a low glycemic index, which means causes less of a blood sugar spike than regular flour. [6]
A Note About the Recipe
These muffins are naturally gluten-free, refined sugar-free, dairy-free, and vegan. Even if you don’t have food sensitives, you could enjoy these sweet healthy that will keep you full and energized all morning. You won’t even miss their sugar-laden counterparts.
Healthy Spiced Sweet Potato Muffins
Ingredients:
1 small sweet potato, roasted (should be about 1 cup, packed)
3 tbsp ground flaxseed in ½ cup of water (Let the flaxseed sit in water for 10 minutes. This substitutes as an egg)
¾ cup organic coconut milk
2 tbsp olive oil
½ cup pure maple syrup or unpasteurized honey
1 cup brown rice flour
¼ cup coconut flour
1 tbsp. baking powder
½ tsp. Himalayan salt
1 tbsp. ground cinnamon
1 tsp ground ginger
⅛ tsp ground cloves
1 tsp ground turmeric
⅛ tsp ground nutmeg
Instructions:
Preheat oven to 400F. Use a skewer to make a dozen or more holes in your sweet potato skin, then cook it on a baking tray for an hour, or until soft. Allow potato to cool, and then cut it in half and scoop out the insides into a large bowl. Add the flaxseed, coconut milk, olive oil, and maple syrup. Combine until smooth. In a separate bowl, mix all of the dry ingredients, then add these to the potato mixture and stir until properly combined. Oil your muffin tray thoroughly with coconut oil, then pour the batter evenly into the muffin tray so that each one is approximately ⅔ full. Cook for 30-35 minutes.
Try this next: Frozen Chocolate-Dipped Peanut Butter Banana Bites
Sources