Author: Matt Gilligan

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Study Blames a Lack of ‘Economically-Attractive’ Men for Declining Marriage Rates

This sure doesn’t sound good. I know fewer people have been getting married, but I thought the cultural shift was due to other things.

Once again, I was wrong.

Researchers at Cornell University released a study with a pretty sobering conclusion: there aren’t as many “economically-attractive” men as there used to be for unmarried women to pick from.

Ouch.

The researchers looked at data from marriages between 2007-2013 and 2013-2017. They then looked at the financial and sociodemographic data of the potential husbands for unmarried women by creating economic profiles based on real husbands who had already married similar women. Then, the “potential husbands” were compared to real population data of men across the United States.

After they crunched the numbers, the researchers found some grim data: the “potential husbands,” aka the ones who don’t exist, had an average income 58% higher than the actual, real population of unmarried men currently on the market in the U.S. The “potential husbands” also were 19% more likely to have college degrees and 30% more likely to be employed.

In a media release, the study’s lead author Dr. Daniel T. Lichter said:

“Most American women hope to marry but current shortages of marriageable men–men with a stable job and a good income–make this increasingly difficult, especially in the current gig economy of unstable low-paying service jobs. Marriage is still based on love, but it also is fundamentally an economic transaction. Many young men today have little to bring to the marriage bargain, especially as young women’s educational levels on average now exceed their male suitors.”

Man, reality can be a real bummer sometimes…

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Denmark Dominates the World Happiness Report Rankings Year After Year. Here’s Why.

America, let’s get it together. I don’t know if it’s arrogance or ignorance, but some Americans think that we are hands-down the best, the happiest, the “number-one” at everything imaginable.

I love living in the United States, and I wouldn’t want to live anywhere else (permanently), but I have to admit that a lot of people here aren’t necessarily happy.

But in Denmark, folks are incredibly happy. In fact, the country ranks at or near the top of the World Happiness Rankings year after year. So what’s behind the happiness in that Scandinavian country of just under 6 million people?

The rankings are based on statistics including crime, income, health, and civic engagement. People were also asked questions about how often they experience positive and negative emotions.

But there’s more than that when it comes to figuring out why Danish people are so happy. They have access to good health care and education, they have a stable government, and they happily pay the highest taxes in the world because they believe this helps create a better society.

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Beautiful Copenhagen ?? ⠀ How many bicycles do you see on the photo? ?? _________ ⠀ Сколько велосипедов вы видите на фото?? ⠀ Дания поистине страна велосипедистов ? По статистике их здесь в два раза больше, чем автомобилей, представляете?? ⠀ Я уже второй раз за год в этом чудесном городе, и каждый раз он мне нравится всё больше ❤ ⠀ К тому же нам дважды везло с погодой, а как вы знаете, Скандинавия в этом плане очень непредсказуема ? Вы были в Копенгагене?)

A post shared by ♡ MARINA | Travel & Style ♡ (@mariwka) on

But there’s something else in the character of the Danish people that makes them so happy: it’s known as “hygge.” The word is sometimes translated as “cozy,” and Danes value it highly. It basically means having comfortable, high-quality social interactions with family and friends and being content with enjoying the simple things in life.

A hygge evening could consist of a family playing board games, having coffee with a friend in front of a fireplace, or eating a quiet, easygoing meal with someone. Hygge is so important to the Danish character that the CEO of the Happiness Research Institute in Copenhagen called it “a defining feature of our cultural identity and an integral part of the national DNA.”

Places can also be described as “hyggelige”, such as a person’s home, which is obviously a compliment and means that it is cozy, comfortable, and welcoming. Danish people use hygge to combat everyday stress and to build camaraderie.

I don’t know about you, but I love this concept.

FYI, in the 2019 World Happiness Rankings, Denmark came in second place and was edged out for #1 by Finland. The U.S. sits at #19.

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A Scared Dog Got Rescued Right Before Being Put Down, and Her Response Was so Sweet

More of these kinds of stories, please!

Bronwnye Mirkovich was looking for a new best fur-friend when he marched into a nearby shelter. He wasn’t anticipating finding “the one” that day, but there she was, waiting for him.

Photo Credit: YouTube

The reason Mirkovich chose a shelter was to try to prevent an unadopted dog from being put down before the right owner came along. According to the Humane Society, six to eight million animals end up in shelters each year, and only half will be adopted.

Mirkovich was ready to give it a shot. He walked around the shelter checking out the animals ready to go to forever homes, when he saw a a matted, dirty, skinny Maltese mix called Edie. She was hours away from getting put down. Although she was shivering and looked as if she’d had a hard life, something about her called to him. He knew he had to bring her home.

At first, she was terrified and even defecated in the corner. She cried and growled. But Mirkovich was patient. He pulled her into his lap and petted her until she calmed. He’d already made up his mind.

Photo Credit: YouTube

When Edie figured out what Mirkovich was thinking, she jumped up and pranced. Staffers cleaned her up and got her ready to go to her new home. She had a bath, a hair cut and some shots to get her up to date.

Photo Credit: YouTube

The adoption was caught on video. By the end of it, Edie was a new, and happy, dog.

Shelter dogs make great pets. There are steps you can take to make sure you find the perfect addition for your family:

  • If you already have a dog, bring him or her to see if they are willing to be friends.
  • Follow your gut feelings about an animal rather than look for specific breeds.
  • Ask questions about health and background of any animals you think you could adopt.
  • Bring any paperwork you might need, especially your rental agreement.

Most importantly, don’t overlook your local shelters. There are so many dogs, cats and other animals needing homes. They will be forever grateful for your love and attention.

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After Just One Use, Vaping Can Damage Your Blood Vessels

A lot of bad news about vaping has come out lately, and here’s some more.

A new study published in Radiology claims that vaping one time – even without nicotine – can damage blood vessels, reduce blood flow, and create dangerous toxins.

The researchers found that the heat created by e-cigs meant to turn liquid into vapor also stirs the compounds into toxic particles. They studied MRI scans of 31 healthy non-smokers before and after vaping nicotine-free e-cigs to come to their conclusions.

After the participants took 3-second drags 16 times from e-cigs loaded with tobacco flavoring and sweeteners, researchers found they had significant decreased blood flow in the femoral artery – the main artery that delivers blood to your thigh and leg.

Felix Wehrli, the study’s principal investigator, says their study defeats “the notion that e-cigarette vaping is harmless.”

“Beyond the harmful effects of nicotine, we’ve shown that vaping has a sudden, immediate effect on the body’s vascular function, and could potentially lead to long-term harmful consequences.”

The researchers observed an average 34% reduction in the artery’s dilation, and found vaping led to a 17.5% reduction in peak blood flow and a 20% reduction in oxygen in the veins.

Author Alessandra Caporale expanded on their findings in a statement:

“E-cigarettes are advertised as not harmful, and many e-cigarette users are convinced that they are just inhaling water vapor. But the solvents, flavorings and additives in the liquid base, after vaporization, expose users to multiple insults to the respiratory tract and blood vessels.”

With the recent issues sweeping the nation – 100 teens in 14 states have reported lung damage after vaping (including 14 hospitalizations and a number of deaths) – these findings are especially troubling.

Earlier this spring, another study found that flavored e-juice also had toxic effects, like weaker cell survival and increased inflammation.

The American Lung Association has joined with the CDC and others in warning care when turning to e-cigs.

“Inhaling chemicals into your lungs is dangerous. E-cigarettes are guilty until proven innocent, and we are very much in the guilty stage,” says one spokesperson.

Dr. Robert Jackler, founder of Stanford Research Into the Impact of Tobacco Advertising, has dark warnings, as well.

“Nobody knows what it does to the human lung to breathe in and out aerosolized propylene glycol and glycerin over and over. It’s an experiment, frankly. We will find out, years from now, the results.”

And since those results could be “it kills you, in time” avoiding the products altogether seems the smartest course of action.

To me, anyway.

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15 People Who Have Found Their Soulmates

Love can be really hard to find. And a true soulmate is even harder to uncover out there in this crazy world of ours. So when you find yours, you never, ever let go.

The people who put up these posts are lucky enough to have found their soulmates and I think you’ll see why they’re so in love with their significant others.

Awwwwww, I’m starting to get weepy.

1. You’re welcome to do as you please.

2. She nailed it!

3. What a guy.

4. You found The One.

5. He’s not wrong…

6. You did win!

7. This is true love.

8. In the slammer…at least for a minute.

9. He’s trying his best.

10. You’re going viral!

11. What you actually got…

12. He’s right, you know…

13. Wait, that’s not his last name?

14. Don’t cry, please.

15. Whatever you need.

Like I said, don’t ever let your soulmate go!

You have any funny stories or posts about your one and only true love? Share in the comments, you lovebirds!

The post 15 People Who Have Found Their Soulmates appeared first on UberFacts.

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A Woman Kept Her Personal and Professional Lives Completely Separate, but Years Later Wonders If She Was Wrong

A lot of us prefer to keep a good line between work and home, if only to keep ourselves sane and to be able to focus on one without the other creeping in.

That said, it’s a bit odd to work somewhere for nine years and never reveal anything personal to the people you work with every day.

It’s also a bit weird if, when they learn you’ve been holding out on them and go cold, you feel as though you’ve lost friends.

AITA for hiding my personal life at work? from AmItheAsshole

Because if you were so intent on being extremely private, why would you believe you had friends at work?

Anyway.

Comment from discussion Shogunx82’s comment from discussion "AITA for hiding my personal life at work?".

This woman’s personal life was outed by a new (nosy, by her account) employee, and now she’s wondering if she was wrong, since her co-workers are miffed.

Most people fall either in the NAH (No A**holes Here) or YTA (You’re the A**hole) camps and I have to say I agree.

Comment from discussion SSU1451’s comment from discussion "AITA for hiding my personal life at work?".

You aren’t the asshole!

Comment from discussion Evadahling’s comment from discussion "AITA for hiding my personal life at work?".

But… she’s KIND of the asshole…

Comment from discussion beka13’s comment from discussion "AITA for hiding my personal life at work?".

It’s complicated…

Comment from discussion Yonkit’s comment from discussion "AITA for hiding my personal life at work?".

Her coworkers definitely aren’t in the wrong feeling slighted (aside from the snoopy one, but that’s really a different question).

Comment from discussion Marguerite67’s comment from discussion "AITA for hiding my personal life at work?".

Melinda! Stay in your lane!

Comment from discussion Wehavecrashed’s comment from discussion "AITA for hiding my personal life at work?".

Personally, I think it’s her business how she wants to conduct herself at work, but she can’t expect people to be friendly if she’s clearly demonstrated not wanting to be friends.

Just sayin.

The post A Woman Kept Her Personal and Professional Lives Completely Separate, but Years Later Wonders If She Was Wrong appeared first on UberFacts.

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A Dad Wanted to Know If He’s Wrong for Not Wanting to Share His Daughter With Her Stepdad on Her Wedding Day

What do you think about this story?

The way families look has changed for many people over the years, which means that, in the best of cases, the involved kids have more people to love and care for them as they grow up.

Mature adults are able to put the kids first, and realize that anyone willing to love a child is worth respecting (even if you like having to do it), but others struggle with this concept years after the fact.

Which is what’s happened here.

The original poster (OP) is a dad who split from the mother of his daughter two decades ago. His ex remarried to a man she’s still with, a man who was a stay-at-home dad and quickly bonded with OPs daughter – a fact her biological dad always hated.

AITA for telling my daughter [26F] that I [55M] will not walk down the aisle with her stepdad [50M]. from AmItheAsshole

Now, she wants both of them to walk her down the aisle at her wedding but OP is refusing to the point of claiming he won’t go to the wedding at all if she insists on her stepdad being part of the process.

Comment from discussion Demoncratic666’s comment from discussion "AITA for telling my daughter [26F] that I [55M] will not walk down the aisle with her stepdad [50M].".

It probably comes as no surprise to you (or it shouldn’t) that the majority of people on the Am I The A**hole Reddit thread that most people agree he’s the jerk, here (YTA – You’re The A**hole, in Reddit language).

Comment from discussion Zearidal’s comment from discussion "AITA for telling my daughter [26F] that I [55M] will not walk down the aisle with her stepdad [50M].".

Maybe this dad needs to know how to dad better… like a lot better…

Comment from discussion rogertaylorkillme’s comment from discussion "AITA for telling my daughter [26F] that I [55M] will not walk down the aisle with her stepdad [50M].".

This makes some people remember their own shitty fathers…

Comment from discussion cpumaxhi’s comment from discussion "AITA for telling my daughter [26F] that I [55M] will not walk down the aisle with her stepdad [50M].".

It’s one after another.

Comment from discussion notthe1_88’s comment from discussion "AITA for telling my daughter [26F] that I [55M] will not walk down the aisle with her stepdad [50M].".

In fact…I couldn’t find anyone who disagreed. Rightfully so.

Comment from discussion rishcast’s comment from discussion "AITA for telling my daughter [26F] that I [55M] will not walk down the aisle with her stepdad [50M].".

Yeah, it’s pretty much unanimous.

Comment from discussion lost-cannuck’s comment from discussion "AITA for telling my daughter [26F] that I [55M] will not walk down the aisle with her stepdad [50M].".

I hope this man took everyone’s comments to heart, apologized to his daughter, and plans to do whatever she wants on her big day, but based on most of his replies, I doubt it.

And I hope the daughter has a wonderful day, regardless of a father who can’t grow up enough to put her first.

The post A Dad Wanted to Know If He’s Wrong for Not Wanting to Share His Daughter With Her Stepdad on Her Wedding Day appeared first on UberFacts.

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These Hilarious Cat Posts Might Put a Big Smile on Your Face

There’s nothing better than some playful, cute animals to put a big smile on your face.

Especially when those cute animals are CATS. Keep in mind, cats are in charge of US, not the other way around.

Let’s see some funny cat posts so we can turn our frowns upside down.

1. Total drama queen.

Screamed at me to let him on the balcony and now he’s doing this. Total drama queen. from aww

2. Two thumbs up!

My girl, Rasputin, showing off her thumbs. from cats

3. Opposites do attract.

My sister recently adopted a kitten and he’s already become very attached to her dog… Apparently, the feeling’s mutual! from aww

4. LOL. So funny.

5. She’s literally doing it, bro.

6. I wasn’t doing anything, I swear.

7. Screaming in a good way, I think.

Our new boy SCREAMING from cats

8. What are you doing in my house?

9. Boots is waiting to be served.

10. Whatever works, just go with it.

11. Not a happy camper.

*angy* from aww

12. I would love it if Buster lived in my house.

Good kitties! That did the trick for me.

If you have a funny pic of your cat, show us in the comments! We’d love to meet your furry feline friends!

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Furry Nails Are a Very Awkward Beauty Trend

Prepare to avert your eyes from these photos. You can take a peek, but don’t stare too long. You might damage your eyes permanently, like looking directly into the sun.

So, without further ado, I present to you, furry nails!

PS: I’m very sorry.

1. Very festive! Just in time for Halloween!

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#4 Brisa and Beyond Gel Nails ** go vote for me link is in bio!! LAST CHANCE FOR VOTING! This set I was most excited about, Brisa Gel came out in the early 2000’s and that is my era, so I had lots of thoughts for these nails. We were asked to take a crystal ball look into the future. I know there is no way to tell the future but there is a pattern in the fashion world that everything comes back around in a new invented way. So I really anted to sit back and take a look at the early 2000’s and think about what was most iconic about this time. My experience is Nsync, TLC, Missy Elliot, Furr hooded jackets, cool sunglasses, Bratz dolls, low ride jeans, random Mandarin character tattoos and who could forget the nail trends. The nail trends that stuck out to me and yes my friends were getting this in middle school, was square nails, french tips and airbrushed dolphins and playboy bunny’s, because for some reason every Nail salon had those same stencils. It was also a time when cellphones were starting to become easily accessible so of corse everyone had corded phones and landlines. I wanted to take all these inspirations and put my own modern twist on them to predict the future with this set. I wanted to include some glass i saved from a car accident i was in to use to this project to represent my future of moving on from the past. @nailsmagazine @cndworld #cnd #cndbrisagel #gelnails #noacrylic #brisagel #shellac #phonenails #phonecord #furrynails #furrnails

A post shared by Carly Snyr (@c.a.r.mani) on

2. Looks like a dead animal.

3. Are you playing a werewolf?

4. Pom pom-style.

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#furrynails dont care!!

A post shared by Bria H. (@artsie7model) on

5. How can you get anything done, though?

6. A total freak show.

7. This is actually pretty disturbing.

8. She’s covering her face with her new paws.

9. Troll fingers, perhaps?

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Pom-Pom NAILZZZZ! ???

A post shared by GOLDNAILS By Goldi Furman ?? (@goldnails_nailart) on

10. Okay, one more…very odd…

Woo! That was quite an experience, wasn’t it?

What are some other weird/awkward beauty trends that people need to know about?

Fill us in!

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Apparently, Cemetery Selfies Are Quite Popular

I kind of understand how the world works: trends come and go. Some are good, some are bad, some are absolutely cringeworthy. Let’s go ahead and put this one in the last category.

Cemetery selfies are quite odd, aren’t they? It’s one thing to pay your respects to a deceased loved one, but it’s quite another to take a selfie in a cemetery trying to look FABULOUS.

It’s just plain weird…but it’s also popular. As you’re about to see.

1. She’s enjoying herself.

2. Think he brought a photographer or used a timer?

3. The #fun hashtag is interesting.

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Cemetery selfie #cemeteryselfie #fun #wedding

A post shared by Linda Pirozek (@linnyp23) on

4. A stroll among the dead.

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#cemeteryselfie ???

A post shared by Ayla Richards (@ketchupgoddess) on

5. Some duck lips never hurt anyone.

6. We’re loving it!

7. Look deep into his eyes.

8. You’ve reached the Underworld.

9. His happy place…

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My Pine Grove <3 #myhappyplace #cemeteryselfie

A post shared by EternalResidents of PineGrove (@theeternalresidentsofpinegrove) on

10. Deuces wild, y’all!

People sure are strange, aren’t they? Or maybe I’m the weird one, I don’t know.

Share your thoughts with us about cemetery selfies in the comments!

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