Month: February 2020

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A 330-Million-Year-Old Shark Head Was Found Inside a Cave in Kentucky

Kentucky is synonymous with fried chicken and horse racing.

Apparently we need to add sharks to the list.

Scientists recently discovered a shark skull inside a cave in Kentucky that dates back quite a few years. And we’re not talking a few decades.

The 330-million-year-old skull was found in the 400-mile long Mammoth Cave National Park, which just so happens to be the longest known cave system in the world.

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Shark fossils of Mammoth Cave National Park

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Rick Olson and Rick Toomey, who both work as Mammoth Cave scientists, found the fossil. John-Paul Hodnett led a team of paleontologists in identifying the fossil as one that originated in the Late Missisippian geological period that occurred between 358 to 323 million years ago.

Hodnett could hardly contain his excitement over the unique discovery.

“There’s hardly ever any record at all of sharks’ teeth coming from these rocks,” he told CNN. “So this is a brand new record of sharks from a particular layer of time.”

The Rick duo that found the fossil buried within the limestone cave walls has been hard at work mapping a part of the Kentucky cave system.

Hodnett’s team eventually excavated a 2.5-foot portion of the shark’s jaw. Based on the jaw size, the prehistoric animal would have measured comparably to a modern great white shark.

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Shark fossils from today’s field work

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While the discovery was certainly impressive, it isn’t close to the oldest shark fossil found. Fossilized skin scales of sharks dating back to 450 million years ago were found in Colorado and Central Australia. In fact, the oldest shark teeth on record were found from the Devonian Period, which took place between 418 to 358 million years ago.

“Mammoth Cave has a rich fossil shark record and there’s still much more to uncover,” Hodnett said.

I guess the discovery would qualify as big news, after all.

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You Can Now Turn off Those Awful Autoplay Previews on Netflix

The year 2020 has been pretty shitty so far, but at least one marvelous thing has happened: Netflix will finally stop autoplaying every single preview that you scroll past.

For what feels like ages, Netflix’s autoplay feature has been non-optional. Every single Netflix user has had to deal with the jarring clips that immediately play as soon as you hover over a certain title. You could turn the sound off, but still, it was really annoying. It made trying to find something new to watch that much harder (and it was already pretty hard).

But! Netflix recently announced that “members can now control whether or not they see autoplay previews on Netflix.”

Needless to say, people are so excited that they basically had a party on Twitter about it.

People had a lot of things to say about the good news.

But most importantly, how does one take advantage of this new option and TURN AUTOPLAY PREVIEWS THE HELL OFF?

First, sign into your account. Then click the profile icon in the top right corner to reveal the drop-down menu and select “Manage Profiles.” Click the profile you want to edit.

You’ll see that “Autoplay previews while browsing on all devices” appears as one setting. It’s automatically checked, so you just uncheck it and voila! You can scroll in peace.

Finally.

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Discover How Long It Takes to Double Your Investments by Using the Rule of 72

For young workers, a paycheck and maybe even health insurance benefits are the primary reasons to get a job. But that paycheck will only take you so far if you aren’t smart about utilizing it to build more capital for the future.

Of course, investing is such a broad term that involves its own set of vocabulary that many of us simply aren’t taught in high school or college.

However, even if you’re new to the savings and investing game, it’s important that you know about how to double your money with the Rule of 72.

So what exactly is the magic behind the number 72?

By dividing the number 72 by the interest rate of your return, you can calculate the number of years it will take to double your investment.

This applies to all your financial accounts, including savings, money market accounts, index and mutual funds.

Photo Credit: Pixabay

Lifehacker writer Nicole Dieker utilized her personal financial figures to illustrate just how the formula works.

Dieker’s Capital One 360 savings account earns an interest rate of 0.63 percent. By dividing 72 by that paltry figure, it would take Dieker 114 years to double her money.

At least her Vanguard investment accounts are in better shape, as they earn an average rate of return of 10.3 percent. In that case, it would only take Dieker seven years to double her money.

Financial tips like the Rule of 72 can be critically helpful for novice investors like myself. Delving into the world of stocks, mutual funds, cryptocurrency and everything in between can be daunting for those without a strong financial background.

When it comes to the Rule of 72, percentage points matter. So take the time and do your homework on potential investments before you fully commit.

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Teenage Brothers Spent 8 Years Recreating ‘Toy Story 3’ With Real-Life Toys

I’m not sure if Toy Story 3 is the best of the entire franchise, but I can say for sure that, as a parent, it definitely made me cry the hardest.

And let’s be honest, that bar was already pretty high.

Eight years ago, these brothers fell in love with not only the film, but with the fanciful idea that toys came to life when we weren’t looking, and a little bit with storytelling and filmmaking, too.

Image Credit: YouTube

Mason McGrew, the younger of the brothers, told Buzzfeed…

“As soon as we saw Toy Story 3, it became our favorite film, and will forever be.

We’d always been such huge fans of Pixar and the Toy Story franchise that we eventually decided we wanted to pay tribute to the studio and film that we love so much.”

They’ve spent the intervening days and weeks re-creating the tale with their own toys, and y’all, the results are really something to behold.

Image Credit: YouTube

The brothers used stop-motion animation to create the movie, and it looks exactly like you’d imagine it would if the toys were alive in real life, and not animated at Pixar.

Image Credit: YouTube

Mason said that every 1 to 6 second clip could contain “more than 25 video elements.”

Morgan and Mason McGrew are from Des Moines, Iowa (please, no jokes about there being nothing better to do there!), and yes, they’ve remade the entire movie – shot for shot – with their very own toys.

They began working on it with Morgan was 15 and Mason was 12, and just finished.

Image Credit: YouTube

Mason said,

“Overall, the hardest thing about this film was staying disciplined.

It was very important to us that we finish what we began as kids.”

Image Credit: YouTube

The entire film is available to view on YouTube, and look at that! We’ve got it for you to watch.

You’re welcome…

Morgan is now 23 and has finished his degree in digital media/business at Buena Vista University. His brother Mason is 21 and in his final semester at the same school, soon to have the same degree under his belt.

Both of them hope to work with stop-motion animation as a career and honestly, I don’t see how anyone could turn them down!

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Dunkaroos Are Making a Comeback

If you grew up in the 1990s, there are a few things you’ll never forget. Chain wallets. Hey Arnold! Tamagotchis.

So many awesome TV shows, movies, games and snacks were intertwined with my childhood.

And while I am only two years away from turning 30, I am just as excited as the rest of my ’90s brethren about a serious snack comeback. 

I’m not kidding, guys. Dunkaroos are back.

The news became official the day after the Super Bowl with a video clip featuring popular fads from the decade.

General Mills stopped producing Dunkaroos in the United States in 2012. Though they were available online and in Canada up until 2018, the previously popular snack seemed all but retired.

The news of its rebirth sounded like a rounding up of the troops on Twitter.

The snack is set to hit shelves this summer.

And let’s just say the impending sugar rush when you pair Dunkaroos and a Disney flick is going to be epic.

The ’90s generation also featured a number of hit TV series that still exist in today’s streaming-based environment.

Not even the superheroes could escape from Dunkaroos’ delicious reach.

Of course, there will always be detractors/haters/people who don’t appreciate delicious nostalgia.

Obviously this guy must’ve been more of a Go-Gurt fan during his heyday.

For others, the reintroduction of the childhood snack measured up with a few other pretty significant events.

I guess it’s all about perspective, right?

While the launch date is still to be announced, it might be time to get started on your Summer 2020 body now. Because by the time Dunkaroos have danced their way back into stores, all your New Year’s resolutions will go out the door right alongside your favorite ’90s kids snack.

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Dunkin’ Donuts and Franks RedHot Are Taking Sweet and Spicy to a New Level

The tastebud-tantalizing combo of sugar and heat is a serious game-changer that will instantly make your dish the talk of the party.

But as much of an advocate as I am of full-flavor eating, sometimes some ideas are best left as just that. But I’ll leave it to the professionals to decide what’s delectable and what’s disgusting.

Apparently, the combination of America’s signature breakfast item and a popular condiment were a match made in heaven – otherwise known as the Frank’s RedHot Jelly Donut at Dunkin’ Donuts.

The campaign launched on Super Bowl Sunday and instantly became a hot topic on social media.

Safe to say some people were skeptical at the odd flavor pairing.

However, you can be assured there was plenty of research put into this fantastical idea.

Rick Golden, Dunkin’s manager of donut excellence, and his team tested more than 12 different flavor combos. Ultimately, the Frank’s RedHot Jelly Donut won out.

Donut aficionados are all too familiar with Dunkin’s tried and true offerings. But this spicy special offered only in two Miami locations on February 3 was a stark departure from anything the iconic brand offered previously.

Those lucky enough to get their hands on were able to savor over the apple- and raspberry-flavored jelly stuffed donut with white icing and a hot sauce drizzle.

Both Dunkin’ and Frank’s RedHot encouraged people to respond on social media with their own innovative ideas. Considering both brands have extensive product lines, the possibilities are truly endless.

And as we’ve seen with other restaurant titans like Taco Bell, ideas that start out as local specials can quickly grow into national offerings.

So if you’re down with the sweet and spicy, start cookin’ up recipes that could make their debut in your town.

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This is Why You Pay More for Brown Eggs Than White Eggs

Eggs are the king of the kitchen in my house. No matter the time of the day or the flavor I’m feeling, eggs are at the center of my plate.

Scrambled, sunny side up, poached or hardboiled, those delectable, nutrient-dense delights come in a variety of sizes and colors…and prices.

Consumers are often all too familiar with the subtle price differences between brown and white eggs. But most people don’t have an explanation for the discrepancy.

The secret really isn’t so much of a secret. It’s all comes down to science.

Sharman Hicknman, the director of community outreach and education for Hickman’s Family Farms, explained that eggshell color (and therefore price) is based on genetics. And yet, for the consumer, there is no noticeable difference in consuming brown eggs or white.

According to Jesse LaFlamme, CEO of Pete and Gerry’s Organic Eggs, the breed of chicken and its associated genetics determine whether a hen possesses pigment genes. When these genes are are active, the chicken creates a natural chemical that coats the egg and gives it its distinctive tone.

LaFlamme offered a helpful hint to figure out what color egg a particular breed will lay: Look at the ear feathers. For example, an Ameraucana produces blue eggs, whereas an Orpington lays brown ones.

Photo Credit: Pexels

For farmers, the color of the eggs probably isn’t as important as how fast their chickens can lay them. And when it comes to efficiency, the Leghorn breed—which lays white eggs—is at the top of the class.

According to Hickman, the Leghorn is a popular choice for farmers because hens who produce colored eggshells must be fed more and are more expensive to maintain.

Malina Linkas Malkani, a media spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, said, “Choosing between brown and white eggs is a matter of personal preference. But it’s important for people to know that the color of the eggshell is related to the breed of the hen, not the egg’s nutrient content, flavor profile, quality, or shell thickness.”

When it comes to eggs, I tend to go with whatever’s cheapest.

They all taste good to me.

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5 Things Your Gym Doesn’t Tell You About Those Sign-Up Discounts

Gyms across the United States see a major uptick in membership sales right after everyone makes their New Year’s resolution to lose weight. Yet, the promise to get in shape can come at a cost to customers.

And if you’re not careful about reading the fine print (which can often include hefty cancellation fees), you could lose more money than pounds on the scale.

Here are five things your gym isn’t telling you when they put on new year deals.

1. Look Past the Giveaways

Don’t fall victim to the “Free Friday Pizza” giveaway or the complimentary snack counter. After all, isn’t the key to this whole weight loss thing about willpower?

While it may seem like a tantalizing reason to sign up, tread cautiously when it comes to the excessive giveaways.

DealNews consumer analyst Michael Bonebright says,

“Chances are, these ‘perks’ are built into the cost of your membership, so you can probably find a lower rate without them.

You can always bring your own healthy snacks.”

Maybe a free slice of pepperoni pizza isn’t a great idea before a sauna session.

2. Take Your Time To Sign Up

Photo Credit: Pexels

While most people are quick to sign up for a gym membership once January hits, it’s actually best to be patient. Many commercial gyms offer discounted rates, zero sign-up fees and other perks in an effort to ramp up their sales in the new year.

However, DealNews recommends waiting till the end of the month (including January) to maximize your savings. If you’re lucky, sales representatives will be desperate to reach their monthly quota, which can be a great opportunity for a potential customer to score a sweet deal.

3. Read the Fine Print

As with any contract, take the time to read every line. And I mean every line.

Gyms are notorious for hiding cancellation fees and making it downright difficult to get out of your contract. Don’t fall for a good sales pitch and realize later that those promises weren’t put in writing.

Study the contract carefully before signing, or maybe even look for a gym that offers month-to-month memberships.

4. Shop Around

Photo Credit: Pexels

Never fall for the first gym you see. There could be better options out there.

The fitness industry is extremely competitive, and you can find great deals on Groupon or other social sites that could save you serious cash every month.

Shop around and read reviews of the gyms in your area before committing.

5. Don’t Become a Statistic

Ready to attack the new year and get in shape? So is everyone else.

Unfortunately, many people enter the new year with great intentions but fall short in results. In fact, according to research conducted by the International Health Racquet & Sportsclub Association, although more than 12 percent of all new gym members join in January, a significant portion of those new year members give up within five months.

Make sure you are fully invested in changing your lifestyle and your health before you put pen to paper on your new gym contract.

So those are our 5 tips. Do you have any? Share them with us in the comments!

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3 Types of Service Dogs and How They Make Huge Differences

At this point, pretty much everyone knows why dogs are the best. They’re loving, they’re loyal, and they’re truly emotional companions that can provide joy to anybody’s life. They also sometimes star in hilarious viral videos. As if all of that wasn’t enough, dogs also possess the incredible ability to be trained to make significant differences in the lives of people all over the world by acting as service dogs. Struggling with a disability, mental illness, or challenging circumstances can feel overwhelming and lonely. Service dogs provide emotional, and sometimes physical, support for those in need when they most need

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4 Tips For Dealing With Emotional Stress

Emotional trauma and the associated stress can be one of the most challenging things to deal with as an individual. And, like every other condition, you need to deal with it quickly. Feeling stressed or down can be a symptom of depression or other mental illnesses, which require medical attention just like physical illnesses. One constant challenge when dealing with emotional stress is the feeling of being unable to change the situation. While you may not be able to change your circumstances overnight, here are four tips to help you deal with emotional stress and its associated psychological effects. 1.

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