Month: November 2020

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These People Got Their Dog a Step Stool So He Can Chat With Neighbor Dogs Over Garden Wall

There are a couple of adorable, svelte, very good boys online named Vito and Bambino.

As they’re Great Danes, these pups have no problem surveying their kingdom beyond the confines of their garden, since they can easily stand on their hind legs and look over the wall.

When they got new neighbors, though, they found they had a problem – the very good boi next door was a normal-sized dog (a Chocolate Labrador), and they couldn’t see and sniff each other according to their whims.

Guiseppe, the Lab, couldn’t meet their noses over the wall!

Vito and Bambino’s owner, Afton Tarin, told the Dodo how seeing his puppers struggle to fit in with his new friends inspired him.

“He has tried many times to jump up and get a good whiff of his big doggy friends whenever we’re all outside.

Guiseppe would furiously jump as high as he could and try to say hello. I would always say, ‘If only you had a step stool.’”

Oh, the humanity!

 

Then, of course, Guiseppe’s human, Robert Carnes, remembered he did have a step stool – and the rest is happy, happy history.

Robert snapped a photo of Guiseppe standing on the stool, his tail wagging too fast to be caught on film, as he sniffed and licked his new pals faces for the first time.

Afton loved the picture, calling it “so stinkin’ cute,” and said it made her feel good to see the dogs so happy to “meet” in person for the first time.

Animals are amazing, and if we let them, they can even bring neighbors together!

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Is It Okay to Use the Word “Androgynous?”

Our world is always growing and changing, hopefully in ways that make it more inclusive and comfortable for every single person who inhabits it. Most of us want to adapt in order to help make that possible, but the truth is, sometimes we just don’t know the answers to the hard questions – and we’re afraid to ask!

If you’re wondering if the word “androgynous” still has a place in the current lexicon, if it’s the same or different than modern terms like “nonbinary” and “genderfluid,” we’ve got your back.

Image Credit: iStock

Syracuse University professor Rose Bell is someone who identifies as all three of those terms – but points out that’s not true of others who identify with one (or more) of them.

“These are very different; someone can be one of these things without being the others, or they could be all of them! Androgyny can mean a number of things.

I most often hear it used to refer to gender presentation. In this sense, it means someone whose appearance does not fit either masculine or feminine norms – who doesn’t look or dress like a man or a woman.

But some people also identify as androgynous, which isn’t the same as looking androgynous.

And both of these things are different from ‘nonbinary,’ although there is definitely some overlap.”

If someone is “cisgender,” their actual gender is the same one they were assigned at birth. “Transgender” people’s actual gender is different from the one they were assigned at birth. And “nonbinary” individuals experience a gender identity that is neither male nor female.

They may also call themselves gender fluid, agender, a third gender, or some other term that feels more right.

“Nonbinary is an umbrella term that describes anyone who has a gender identity that is not strictly one of the ‘big two’ binary categories.

There are many different identities under that umbrella.

It’s important to remember that not all nonbinary people have androgynous gender presentation!

Nonbinary is about who you are, not about how you look.”

Which is to say, as ever, you can’t judge a book by its cover – or how a person prefers to dress.

Image Credit: iStock

Androgynous people might identify as any gender, or if they’re gender fluid, that might change from day-to-day.

Physical androgyny has had fairly good media representation since the 1970s and 1980s, when people like David Bowie and Annie Lennox defied gender norms in front of cameras.

Image Credit: iStock

Scott Barry Kaufman wrote a piece about the difference between physical and psychological androgyny in Scientific American.

“Physical androgyny was creative in the ’80s because it was actually innovative. It did challenge gender stereotypes. It got people to think differently about stereotypical male and female roles.

It wasn’t the superficial physical aspects of androgyny that made it so creative, it was the psychological aspects that it represented.”

Psychological androgyny is defined as crossing “sex typed standards of desirable behavior.”

Image Credit: iStock

Bell reminds us that representation continues to matter, and that we’re not done until every single person can look to some form of media and see themselves there.

“Androgyny as a presentation isn’t always connected to gender identity. Many people who are nonbinary also look androgynous. But not everyone.

And the opposite is also true; not everyone who appears androgynous is nonbinary. A nonbinary gender identity can be a very personal thing — you don’t always have to wear it on the outside.

There should be space to be whoever you really are. I want people not to expect things from me based on what they think my gender is and putting ‘nonbinary’ or ‘androgynous’ in a box is just another way of doing that.”

I would hope that, wherever you fall on the gender spectrum, however you choose to embrace and display your gender through your clothing and behaviors, you could find a way to feel comfortable in your skin.

Everyone being understanding, being willing and open to learning more, and supporting representation in media, will go a long way toward making utopia a reality.

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Hilarious Memes to Help Shake off the Fall Blues

It’s that time of year when it gets dark around 4 p.m. so you know that season depression’s just about to hit.

While sunlight might be limited, the memes are always in abundance.

Here are 15 memes to help you fend off the gloom and start your day on the right foot.

1. An iconic moment

We all know what this feels like.

Photo Credit: someecards

2. The ultimate third wheel

Whoopi Goldberg seriously had to have nerves of steel to put up with these two.

Photo Credit: someecards

3. This one’s harsh

Well, at least we’re not alone.

Photo Credit: someecards

4. Exactly

Seriously, what happened to earning your stripes?

Photo Credit: someecards

5. Wish I had a time machine

Remember planking?

Photo Credit: someecards

6. That’s real

Of course the pounds accumulate in the most inconvenient place.

Photo Credit: someecards

7. Oof

This must be why my dad’s stand-up set hasn’t changed since 2004.

Photo Credit: someecards

8. Can we make this a reality?

It’d be amazing if anxiety counted as exercises.

Photo Credit: someecards

9. The most precious thing on the internet

Come on, how could you not look at this and smile?

Photo Credit: someecards

10. Relatable

Ready to retire like this.

Photo Credit: someecards

11. Same

A few texts is more than good enough for me.

Photo Credit: someecards

12. Ugh, amazing

This is great news for all of us.

Photo Credit: someecards

13. That’s friendship

It stands the test of time and endures every form of violence.

Photo Credit: someecards

14. Yep, pretty much

I, too, would have zero dollars.

Photo Credit: someecards

15. An olympic athlete lives in all of us

I’m just going to pretend that I look like this.

Photo Credit: someecards

Well, that managed to energize me. It’s great to know that we can always count on the internet for funny memes to help keep the blues away.

What are some memes that always cheer you up? Share them with us in the comments below!

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Women Have a Higher Pain Tolerance and 8 More Behind-the-Scenes Secrets From Tattoo Artists

Every job has secrets that would surprise those who aren’t in the know. Tattoo artists are part of so many of our lives these days, though, that the things they’re keeping behind closed doors are of particular difference.

Also, you figure that tattoo artists see some pretty interesting characters, and therefore have some pretty great stories to tell right?

Buckle up.

10. You should look at their portfolios.

Image Credit: Pexels

Even if you go in knowing what you want, they still appreciate it if you take the time to look at their work.

This is something that’s going on your body for all eternity – you shouldn’t be in such a hurry that you can’t even check the talent of the person doing it.

9. It’s tough on the body.

Image Credit: Pixabay

They spend all day and night hunched over sketch pads and human canvases.

Back, neck, and eye problems are common.

8. Whatever the trend is, it’s boring.

Image Credit: Pixabay

In particular, tattoo artists are really tired of doing infinity symbols.

It’s simple, and super boring to do over and over again, even if all the coolest celebrities are doing it.

7. Apprentices get hazed.

Image Credit: Pexels

Tattooing is a tough industry to get into at all, so apprentices aren’t going to complain about the hazing – which will probably including piercings and/or tattoos.

If you want to play with the big boys, you’ve got to sacrifice, right?

6. Mistakes are common.

Image Credit: Pexels

The best tattoo artists know how to cover them up so you’ll never know it happened – a bit of contrast, a little flourish – even better than the original!

5. They practice on themselves.

Image Credit: Pexels

There’s a lot of training that takes place before an apprentice is let loose on a client – first, they practice on themselves (and sometimes oranges, fake skin, and pig’s ears).

4. Women have a higher pain tolerance.

Image Credit: Pexels

Most artists agree that the more alpha male a guy is, the lower his pain threshold is likely to be.

Women, on the other hand, handle even larger tattoos with much more pluck.

3. They think your parents are right.

Image Credit: iStock

Most experienced tattoo artists will decline face, neck and hand tattoos for younger people – things are changing, but not that quickly.

They could affect things like a kid’s ability to get a job or into a good college.

Your parents are right – you can’t really grasp the full ramifications of your actions at 18.

2. There are only three names you should put on your body.

Image Credit: Pixabay

Your pets, your kids, or a deceased relative.

That’s it.

1. They only serve who they want.

Image Credit: Pexels

Professional tattoo artists reserve the right to refuse to ink any tattoo, or any person, and pretty much for any reason.

They all have their lines – finger tattoos that won’t last, intricate designs that will blur, something that simply isn’t a specialty, whatever.

They get most of their business from referrals, so having subpar work out there doesn’t work in their favor.

Their names are their livelihood, and that means more than the money they would receive from a single commission.

I never would have guessed some of these things!

If you’re a tattoo artist, tell us your trade secrets in the comments!

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Absolute Champions Who Quit Their Jobs With Sophistication and Class

Are you finally at the end of your rope? Trying to find a civil way to leave that terrible, no good, dead-end job?

Don’t sweat it; there are always answers on the internet.

Take a tip from these 13 heroes who already did it for you.

1. That’s one way to do it

Talk about making a loud and proud exit.

Photo Credit: Cheezburger

2. Apparently this is a popular choice

I’d say it’s super effective.

Photo Credit: Cheezburger

3. It’s never too late to change careers

Use this for when your boss is a total Bowser.

Photo Credit: Cheezburger

4. Short and sweet

Photo Credit: Cheezburger

5. Points for creativity

Photo Credit: Cheezburger

6. The classics never go out of style

Photo Credit: Cheezburger

7. Ah, the sympathy cards

Because, truly, it is their loss.

Photo Credit: Cheezburger

8. Freedom is so, so sweet

And so is this cake!

Photo Credit: Cheezburger

9. Surprise!

Check out this double whammy.

Photo Credit: Cheezburger

10. Fitting

As they say, do unto others…

Photo Credit: Cheezburger

11. This one’s wild

Stockpile up on this card for your future reference.

Photo Credit: Cheezburger

12. That’s fancy

Cookie cakes might be the cheapest of the cakes, but they’re also the best of them.

Photo Credit: Cheezburger

13. This is the best one yet

Booking a limo for an entire posse of coworkers? Now that’s what I call leaving in style. hope they hit the club for 36 hours straight.

Photo Credit: Cheezburger

Well, I feel like I just vicariously experienced all these people living their absolute best lives. Hats of to them for following their guts and ripping off the unhappy employment bandaid with tons of glam.

What’s the wildest way you’ve put in your two weeks’ notice? Let us know in the comments below!

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This is Why We See Such Beautiful Colors in the Fall

Fall is such a great time of year. It’s a time of transition from summer to winter, and nothing quite embodies that transition like the changing colors of the leaves.

According to an Iroquois Native American legend, the leaves change colors in the winter because a group of young hunters slew the Great Bear, and its blood turned the leaves red.

While a vivid illustration, there’s actually a much simpler and less gory explanation for why the leaves change colors in the fall.

Image Credit: Unsplash

Do you remember learning about photosynthesis in school? If not, let’s do a quick refresher.

Photosynthesis is the process of plants converting carbon dioxide, water and sunlight into energy. Photosynthesis cannot happen without chlorophyll.

According to Gardening Know How,

“chlorophyll, which resides in the chloroplasts of plants, is the green pigment that is necessary in order for plants to convert carbon dioxide and water, using sunlight, into oxygen and glucose.”

So, does that mean the leaves turn shades of yellow, orange, and red because the plants are running out of chlorophyll?

Well… yes and no.

Image Credit: Wikipedia

Chlorophyll isn’t the only pigment present in leaves, even when they looks green. Pigments carotene and xanthophyll are also present, although we can’t see them.

In the fall, when the days are shorter and colder, and the air is dryer, there isn’t as much sunlight for the leaves of the trees to absorb.

Without sunlight, those leaves can’t convert carbon dioxide and water into energy, so they stop their food making process.

The chlorophyll in the leaf breaks down, revealing the other beautiful pigments that were always there.

Image Credit: Unsplash

Have you ever wondered why the leaves fall as they change color?

This happens because as the days get shorter and colder, each leaf grows a layer of cells that seal it off from the tree.

The tree keeps living, and the leaf detaches and decomposes, so that a new leaf can grow in the spring.

While carotene pigments give rise to orange leaves, xanthophyll pigments give us those beautiful yellow leaves like you might see on a Big-leaf Maple.

Image Credit: Unsplash

Some leaves, like those of most oak trees, will simply turn brown. Red or reddish-purple leaves will have various mixtures of anthocyanin pigments residing within them.

Some years you might see more vivid red leaves. This is because weather plays a role in determining how much anthocyanin pigment can be found in certain leaves.

Sunny days mixed with low evening temperatures, above freezing, generally lead to more anthocyanin production in trees like maples.

With the sun shining, the leaf can produce energy, but the cool evenings cause the tree to absorb as much sugar and nutrients from the leaf as possible.

The result is a higher amount of anthocyanin pigments.

Image Credit: Unsplash

Isn’t science cool?

Hopefully, the next time you take an autumn stroll through the park or in the woods, you’ll remember how the colors of fall come to be, and appreciate them all the more.

Personally, I love a maple full of yellow leaves.

What do you think is the most beautiful type of tree in the fall? Let us know in the comments!

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This is How Synesthesia or ‘Crossing of the Senses’ Works

If you experience synesthesia, then you most likely already know what it means. For everyone else, here’s a quick definition: experiencing something with one sense and somehow, that experience translating to a second one.

Like, you see a scone, and can taste the scone. Or, you hear the letter B and imagine the color yellow.

It doesn’t have to make sense, either; music can be a color, letters can taste like cake – whatever your brain comes up with goes.

Image Credit: iStock

For a long time, researchers believed synesthesia was fairly rare, but a 2006 study that employed objective tests found that’s not true – it affects around 2%-4% of the general population.

One of the reasons it can be hard to pin down is that there are so many different forms of the condition, and as a general rule, synesthesia can occur with any combination of senses or cognitive pathways.

The most common type is graphemes (letters or numbers) taking on certain colors. One synesthete will always see the letter A as red, but every synesthete won’t see the letter A as red – although some letter/number combinations are more common than others.

Sound-to-color synesthesia is the second most common type – a 2006 study found that these synesthetes typically associate a higher pitch to a lighter color, leading researchers to conclude that synesthesia might be using the same cross-modal pathways that most people use, rather than ones unique to the condition.

Lexical-gustatory (olfactory), tasting flavors based on a visual picture, word, or sound, is one of the rarer types of synesthesia – they might even associate smells with certain colors or shapes.

Image Credit: Pexels

Some people claim to taste emotions, or to experience a physical sensation when other people are touched, or even to assign personality traits to random letters or numbers.

Now that we understand (?) a bit more of what it means to be a synesthete, let’s talk a little bit about why scientists think people end up with these strange powers.

Only a little bit, because even though it’s become a popular field of study, synesthesia still isn’t well understood. There is some idea that it has a genetic component, because around 40% of people report a first-degree relative who also has the condition, and most recall experiencing it from a young age.

What scientists do agree on is that synesthesia is a sensory phenomenon that is unrelated to memory – meaning you thinking of a letter being blue because it was blue in your childhood bedroom isn’t the same thing.

Image Credit: iStock

It happens early in the perception process – you mind just makes the connection, it doesn’t spend time searching your memory for it.

Researchers believe synesthesia is a cross-wiring in the brain – that the area for one sense stimulates the area for another. There could be increased neural connections that stuck around when others were being pruned while still in utero – there might even be physical differences in brain matter to find.

Scientists also believe there could be some secondary benefits for people who “suffer,” mainly in the area of memorization. Some synesthetes can memorize a large list of numbers by using their color associates, for example, and some others can distinguish between extremely similar colors.

It’s not all sunshine and rainbows, though; many report the condition can be grating or uncomfortable, like when they see a letter or number that’s the “wrong” color, if a name doesn’t “taste” right, or other stuff the rest of us will never understand.

I’m not sure I understand humans any better after writing this article, but listen – I do have a renewed respect for how truly different each and every one of us are.

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