Month: November 2019

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A High School Engineering Class Created a Prosthetic Arm so Middle Schooler Can Play Cello

High school kids in Irving, Texas put their engineering class to good use by fulfilling a middle school girl’s dreams of playing in the orchestra.

Kayla Arqueta was born without her left hand and part of her forearm. As a student at Austin Middle School, she wanted to join the orchestra, so she auditioned for cello. Orchestra director Carly Addison was happy to welcome Kayla to the group, but she wasn’t sure how to make it work.

“She told me she wanted to play cello and I had no idea how to make that happen, but I knew I couldn’t say no,” Carly said in a school district video.

Carly did some internet research, and she discovered another young girl who used a prosthetic arm to play the cello. The musical prosthetic was designed by Dr. Jennifer Mankoff at Carnegie Mellon University.

After contacting Dr. Mankoff, Carly found the blueprints for the prosthetic online. Next, she learned that the high schools in her district had 3D printers, so she reached out to Dwight Davison, an engineering teacher at Nimitz High School.

Dwight hadn’t been using 3D printing in his engineering class, but he created a new class project just to help Kayla out. It was optional for students, and six enterprising teens signed up.

They successfully designed and printed a musical prosthetic for Kayla, who is now blossoming as a burgeoning cellist.

“When Kayla pulled on the string, it made this big beautiful cello sound, and I knew we had done it,” Carly said.

As for Kayla? In addition to her new prosthetic, she’s learned a valuable lesson. “I learned that people are willing to help, and that it’s okay to be different,” she said. “I would like other students to know that life is challenging, but everyone is going to love you for who you are.”

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There’s a Beer Called ‘Unicorn Farts’ – and It’s Brewed with Fruity Pebbles

Have you ever thought to yourself, “Dang, I could really go for some unicorn farts right now”? If so, we have some great news.

A brewery in Maryland has created a limited-edition Unicorn Farts beer. DuClaw Brewing Company’s beer is a “glittered sour ale,” brewed with Fruity Pebbles mashed in.

And yes, there is edible glitter in it, too.

Unicorn Farts was originally released last spring, but it sold out — obviously. Unicorns are very in right now! So, DuClaw is re-releasing the beer for a second run. It will be out in June 2020, just in time for summer (and for Pride).

In the tasting notes, the brewery describes Unicorn Farts thusly: “This glittered sour ale with fruity cereal mashed in, brings slightly tart sour, a bouquet of fruits & a hint of biscuit.”

If the idea of a unicorn-themed, fruity sour ale hasn’t sold you already, then maybe this ad campaign will? The brewery straight-up filled a bathtub with Fruity Pebbles.

If you’re wondering why there are donuts on the side of the bathtub, it’s because the unicorn beer is a collaboration with Diablo Doughnuts. The donut company’s Fruity Pebbles donut was the inspiration behind Unicorn Farts beer.

Interested in buying this unique beer? It might be available in a city near you. You can plug your zip code into DuClaw’s beer finder to find out.

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The U.S. Postal Service Honors Military Dogs with New Stamps

The U.S. Postal Service has honored the U.S. military for many years by creating special limited-edition stamps. Now they’re highlighting the canine division of the military with these military working dogs stamps.

Dogs began serving in the U.S. military since the Civil War. They’ve continued to accompany humans in every war since, from World War I to Afghanistan. In fact, there is one dog for every three human soldiers in Afghanistan, Bloomberg reports.

Photo Credit: Pixabay

The most common dog breeds in the modern U.S. armed forces include the German shepherd, Dutch shepherd, Belgian Malinois, and Labrador retriever. Less common breeds are the Rottweiler, Bloodhound, and Beagle.

The USPS has created four new stamps with images of the four most common breeds, which they call “the four-legged heroes of the nation’s military.” The illustrations are stylized geometric versions with red and blue backgrounds. They’re available in a booklet of 20.

“As a military veteran and former law enforcement officer, I have the greatest appreciation for these animals and the service they provide,” David C. Williams, vice chairman of the USPS Board of Governors, said in a press release.

“Today, these dogs are born and raised to serve alongside soldiers, sailors, marines, airmen and women, and members of the Coast Guard. They are heroes deserving of our respect and gratitude.”

A book of 20 Forever stamps costs $11. You can find them at your local USPS, on the online Postal Store, or by calling 800-STAMP24.

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An Inventor Creates a Viable Plastic Alternative from Fish Waste

Brilliant!

This year’s International James Dyson award went to the inventor of a plastic alternative that could be used to make sandwich bags and other small carriers. And it’s made out of fish.

Inventor Lucy Hughes, age 24, won the UK category, beating out 1,078 other entries. The prize money amounted to 30,000 pounds.

Hughes created the material called MarinaTex from cast-off fish bits. “For me, sustainability has never been an afterthought,” she told Radio 1 Newsbeat.

She studied product design at the University of Sussex and has always considered the environmental impact of all her designs. “Traditionally, we design in quite a linear way. You take material, make something with it, and then discard of it.”

MarinaTex was her final school project.

The James Dyson Foundation runs the annual International James Dyson Award, a student design competition. All designs entered should solve a problem.

Today we announce the international winner of the James Dyson Award 2019 – MarinaTex, a bioplastic made from existing…

Posted by James Dyson Award on Thursday, November 14, 2019

Sir James Dyson said Hughes product solves two problems: One, single-use plastic, and two, fish waste.

This year saw the highest number of female entrants since it started in 2007.

Hughes’ material is innovative in that it will biodegrade in normal outdoor temperatures, meaning it could be disposed of in regular home compost bins.

Another issue, according to a United Nations report, is that 27 percent of all fish caught and brought inland never gets used.

This is could be the waste used, along with red algae and other components, to make the plastic alternative.

Hughes envisions her material replacing plastic for small bags for food and other single-use items. Her next step, after winning the award, is to see how it can be mass produced so it can start getting worked into products.

It looks to be a fantastic solution to some pressing problems. Let’s always be innovating!

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15 Great Photos from the 2019 National Beard and Moustache Championships

Beard and moustache culture is thriving, big time. Don’t believe me? Well, the 2019 National Beard and Moustache Championships recently took place in Tinley Park, Illinois, and the photos are just incredible.

Photographer Greg Anderson was on hand to capture the proceedings, and I think you’ll be impressed by the insane facial hair he caught with his lens.

Take a look at these and see how your own beards and moustaches match up!

1. Mind blowing.

Posted by Greg Anderson Photography on Monday, November 11, 2019

2. Looks like a big Teddy Bear.

Posted by Greg Anderson Photography on Monday, November 11, 2019

3. A lot of work went into this one.

Posted by Greg Anderson Photography on Monday, November 11, 2019

4. A classic cookie duster.

Posted by Greg Anderson Photography on Monday, November 11, 2019

5. Looks like the villain in an old movie.

Posted by Greg Anderson Photography on Monday, November 11, 2019

6. A unique choice.

Posted by Greg Anderson Photography on Monday, November 11, 2019

7. Like a beautiful waterfall.

Posted by Greg Anderson Photography on Monday, November 11, 2019

8. A+ for design.

Posted by Greg Anderson Photography on Monday, November 11, 2019

9. Through his ears!

Posted by Greg Anderson Photography on Monday, November 11, 2019

10. The hair is on-point, too.

Posted by Greg Anderson Photography on Monday, November 11, 2019

11. Wild and wacky.

Posted by Greg Anderson Photography on Monday, November 11, 2019

12. ZZ Top?

Posted by Greg Anderson Photography on Monday, November 11, 2019

13. Braidz for dayz.

Posted by Greg Anderson Photography on Monday, November 11, 2019

14. This guy looks cool as ice.

Posted by Greg Anderson Photography on Monday, November 11, 2019

15. This is out of control.

Posted by Greg Anderson Photography on Monday, November 11, 2019

I just know that some of you out there have some pretty impressive facial hair.

Let’s see some pics in the comments!

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There’s Now a Real Formula to Calculate ‘Dog Years’

If you’ve ever had a dog, you know that your pup has two “ages” — their actual age, and their age in so-called “dog years.” To calculate dog years, you simply multiply the dog’s age by seven. But is there any actual scientific evidence behind this formula?

The short answer is no — but scientists have come with a more accurate way to calculate it.

Researchers at the University of California, San Diego, examined dog DNA to see how quickly dogs age. They looked at 104 Labrador retrievers from 1 month to 16 years old, comparing their rates of DNA methylation – which usually speeds up as living beings age – to those of humans.

Photo Credit: Pixabay

The researchers found that the rates of methylation were similar between dogs and humans; however, adolescent and mature dogs experienced more accelerated aging.

Based on this data, they came up with a new formula for calculating dog years.

Take the natural logarithm of a dog’s age, multiply it by 16, and then add 31.

By this measure, a 2-year-old dog would be 42 human years old – way older than 14!

However, methylation slows later in life, so the dog’s age in human years doesn’t increase as quickly. A 5-year-old dog would only be 57 years old, while a 6-year-old dog would be 60. A 10-year-old dog would equate to a 70-year-old human.

Photo Credit: Pixabay

This formula might not be completely accurate for every dog breed, as different dogs age at different rates, while the formula was determined based on data from Labs. Still, it’s a very interesting and informative contrast to the old unscientific 7-year rule!

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Over 100,000 Dogs Are Killed Each Year Riding in Truck Beds

Country songs are known for their sense of Americana—distant train whistles, love for family, broken hearts and a dog in the back of a pick-up.

Romantic imagery for sure, but unfortunately, our bubble has to burst.

The pick-up is not the best place for the dogs to ride.

Photo Credit: Pexels

Since the cabs of pick-up trucks might only be a front bench seat, dogs are often shown the bed of the truck for a trip.

But though it seems convenient, American Humane strongly cautions against letting dogs hang out in the back of pickups, stating that an estimated 100,000 dogs die in accidents yearly riding in truck beds.

100,000 dogs! That’s so many!

One obvious reason is that dogs jump, especially if they are curious or scared. Even if they are trained or have calm personalities, if there’s an accident, they can fall or jump out of the bed and get seriously injured or cause other collisions.

Photo Credit: Flickr

The bed of a truck can be much colder or hotter than the cab, where the temperature is controlled. Since there’s no protection back there, wind can also blow debris around getting into dogs’ ears, noses, eyes and mouths. In the heat of summer, metal beds can burn paws.

Even leashing or crating the dog while they are in the bed can causes more problems than protection. Dogs can be strangled if they are thrown from a truck while leashed. If a dog is confined in a crate, it could prevent them from escaping in case of an accident.

Photo Credit: Pixabay

Some dogs love being back there. Other dogs may get anxious at the noises and confusion of the road.

It turns out, there are really a lot of reasons to keep them out of the bed of the truck. And your dog is your best friend, right? So keep them safe – and in the truck next to you.

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These Husbands Are Really Starting to Annoy Their Wives

Guys sure are good at annoying their ladies, aren’t they?

All the ladies out there, I’m sure you’ve experienced situations like this…and I’m sure you’re a little fed up as well…

Let’s dive in, shall we?

1. Marriage at its finest.

2. Not gonna happen.

3. Classy fella.

4. Thanks for the info.

5. The ultimate throne.

6. That’s all you’re gonna get.

7. Just go along with it.

8. Need more updates.

9. Please don’t do that.

10. That is kind of savage.

11. I really hope your husband sent you this and not some random guy.

12. Hangry. Basic. Saucy.

13. Having a hard time.

Marriage sure is beautiful, isn’t it?

Share some of the things your man does to get on your nerves in the comments below.

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A Contractor Shared the Weirdest, Funniest Construction Fails He Finds

Meet Trevor Lahey. He’s a Certified Chalk Installer, and he runs into some very interesting examples of construction fails during his work.

And here are 15 absolute doozies that he’s run into over the years.

Take a look for yourself. Some of these are pretty unbelievable.

1. Walk on up!

2. Maybe a little overkill?

3. Very close…

4. In case you need to charge your phone.

5. An interesting choice.

6. It works…somehow.

7. Looks safe to me.

8. Halfsies!

9. The old pallet porch.

10. Finish it off.

11. A very handy spot.

12. Those are buckets, by the way.

13. Blends right in.

14. A new kind of exhaust fan.

15. Just tape it up.

I have a feeling all of us are going to start following this Instagram account.

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15 of the Best “Ok, Boomer” Jokes Around

Prepare to laugh…

Ok, Boomer is one of the newest (and arguably greatest) memes to take the internet by storm in 2019, which means there’s a lot of content out there – a lot of people looking for their 10 seconds of Twitter fame and the like.

So we went through a bunch (and I mean a bunch) of them for you, and came up with these 15 (so far) that we don’t think you should miss.

Enjoy!

15. The suspense must be killing you.

14. I’m assuming they’ve got all of their signatures.

13. No one needs this meme more than Peter Parker.

https://busansbussy.tumblr.com/post/188843576108

12. But show some respect Harry or you’ll be stuck with the Dursleys forever.

https://teathattast.tumblr.com/post/188844733360/bearboob

11. What do you think?

10. It’s nicer than what I would say to Elsa, tbh.

9. This is so perfect it’s meant to be.

https://randomlonelytorment.tumblr.com/post/188895954810

8. Meme mashup for the win!

https://butch-spidey.tumblr.com/post/188746961854/ok-boomer

7. Yeah, take THAT.

Image Credit: Tumblr

6. Hard to argue with that!

5. Princess Bride references are always okay.

https://tacowaititi.tumblr.com/post/188983024108

4. When you know you’re raising them right.

https://supremelordoveralldinosaurs.tumblr.com/post/188827255674

3. Hollywood doesn’t even need writers anymore.

2. And it all comes full circle.

1. That awkward moment when…

https://human-dlc.tumblr.com/post/188109095320/boomer-lmao-why-arent-these-millenials-getting

I just love these tweets and this meme, mostly because as a Xennial (GenX-ish) I can just eat my popcorn and enjoy.

Do you love it? Hate it? Tell us why in the comments!

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