Dying Writer Pens Heartfelt Plea For Someone to Marry Her Husband

By

-

Mar 7, 2017

Amy Krouse Rosenthal was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 2015. Now, while lying on her deathbed, she has penned a “dating profile” for her husband in order to attract him a new lover in her stead.

Published as “You May Want To Marry My Husband” in the New York Times, the children’s book author says she only has days left “being a person on this planet”. With the time that she does have, however, she describes the character of her loving husband Jason Brian Rosenthal.

The couple first met 28 years ago on a blind date in Chicago that was set up by a mutual acquaintance.

“It was 1989. We were only 24,” says Amy. “I had precisely zero expectations about this going anywhere. But when he knocked on the door of my little frame house, I thought, ‘Uh-oh, there is something highly likable about this person.’”

She goes on to describe her husband as “5-foot-10, 160 pounds, with salt-and-pepper hair and hazel eyes”.

Amy says that Jason is a sharp dresser, a good chef, an enthusiastic concert-goer, a compassionate father, an artist as well as a lawyer, and a very caring husband.

“Here is the kind of man Jason is: He showed up at our first pregnancy ultrasound with flowers. This is a man who, because he is always up early, surprises me every Sunday morning by making some kind of oddball smiley face out of items near the coffeepot: a spoon, a mug, a banana.”

MORE: Late Daughter Unknowingly Left Priceless Gift for Grieving Mom

“My guess is you know enough about him now. So let’s swipe right.”

Amy then makes it very clear that she wishes that she had more time with her devoted husband and children, but as fate would have it, she must now pass the gauntlet to someone else.

“I am wrapping this up on Valentine’s Day, and the most genuine, non-vase-oriented gift I can hope for is that the right person reads this, finds Jason, and another love story begins.”

Click To Share The Love Story With Your Friends

Chance the Rapper Donating $1Mil to Chicago Schools

By

McKinley Corbley

-

Mar 7, 2017

Chicago born and bred hip hop artist Chance the Rapper has announced that he will be donating $1 million to his home city’s public schools.

The announcement was made during a press conference at Westcott Elementary School on Monday, blocks from where Chance grew up as a young student.

The musician had reportedly sat down with Republican Gov. Rauner on Friday to discuss education funding after the governor vetoed a $215 million education funding initiative back in December. Chance was “flustered” after leaving the meeting, saying he had been given “a lot of vague answers” without any compromise in sight.

“Illinois’ education system is one of the most severely underfunded in the nation. After years of being underfunded, the Chicago Public Schools system has been forced to cut teachers, supplies, and after school programs,” said the artist in a statement. “Despite having already cut $260 million in costs internally, CPS was left a $215 million gap in their budget as of May 2016”

“To prevent further irreparable damage, the only solution is for the Governor to sign the bill allocating these necessary funds to CPS, and then working with the General Assembly to pass a budget and education funding reform.”

MORE: R E S P E C T – Aretha Franklin to Pay For Hotel Rooms For Flint Families

“As a CPS graduate, Chance has shown Chicago students not only the heights they can achieve but the generosity they can share,” school district spokesperson Emily Bittner said in a statement. “We also appreciate his strong advocacy for Chicago schoolchildren, who suffer under the state’s discriminatory system of funding, which Gov. Rauner continues to perpetuate.”

Several celebrities have come out in support of Chance’s campaign, including the former First Lady of the United States Michelle Obama.

“Thanks [Chance] for giving back to the Chicago community, which gave us so much,” said the First Lady. “You are an example of the power of arts education.”

Click To Share The Good News With Your Friends

U.K. Carbon Emissions Fall to Levels From 1894

By

Good News Network

-

Mar 6, 2017

This groundbreaking new report shows that the levels of greenhouse gases released into the atmosphere last year have fallen to the same amount as 1894 – the year that the first petrol-powered car was patented.

Based on Carbon Brief analysis of the Department of Energy and the Business and Industrial Strategy, the report shows that the UK’s total emissions have fell by 5.8% in 2016.

This shows a record-breaking 52% drop in coal use. The CO2 emissions dispelled amounted to 381 million tons.

According to the report, there was a slight uptick in gas and oil related emissions, however this only totaled to 12.5% and 1.6% respectively.

Click To Share The News With Your Friends – Photo by Kenmainr, CC

Physician Invents Reconstructive Surgery For Female Genital Mutilation

By

Good News Network

-

Mar 6, 2017

There is new hope for the hundreds of millions of women worldwide who have been subjected to genital mutilation.

A surgeon in Penn Medicine’s Center for Human Appearance has developed a reconstructive procedure that can increase sexual function and, patients’ early experiences suggest, help heal the emotional and psychological wounds associated with the mutilation. Ivona Percec, an assistant professor of Surgery in the division of Plastic Surgery, reports on her use of the technique in three patients this month in the Aesthetic Surgery Journal. She also calls for greater awareness of this human rights issue in support of women who’ve suffered these experiences across the world.

“Plastic surgeons have a crucial role to play in this recovery, and it’s important for physicians to be informed and prepared to address the surgical and emotional needs of women who seek care for this,” Percec said. “Our procedure is simple yet effective and can help victims restore their physical and psychological sense of well-being.”

The World Health Organization (WHO) defines Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) as, “any procedure that intentionally alters or causes injury to female genital organs for non-medical reasons and with no health benefits.” An estimated 200 million women have been subjected to FGM around the world, usually between the first week of life and adolescence, and often by their caregivers. It is a cultural ritual in parts of Africa, the Middle East, and Asia to encourage female sexual fidelity. It is internationally recognized as a violation of human rights.

FGM can also have long-term consequences, including severe pain, post-traumatic stress disorder, cysts, recurrent infections, and even death.

All three women were between the ages of 30 and 33 and had recently immigrated to the United States from Sierra Leone. In each case, the women were married but had not told their husbands they had undergone FGM as children.

MORE: President of Gambia Bans Female Genital Mutilation

“These women were embarrassed that they were subjected to this procedure, in particular since relocating to the United States,” Percec said. “All of them were able to have intercourse, but without pleasure – usually with pain.”

The patients wanted to know if there were any surgical options available to help them look and feel more normal. After Percec’s research turned up little in the way of established procedures, she used her knowledge of other reconstructive techniques in hopes of restoring appearance and function.

With an average follow up of almost a year, all three patients reported improved sexual function and decreased embarrassment with their partners. All three women said they would recommend this procedure to others who have suffered FGM.

“Female genital mutilation is a violation of the basic rights of women and children,” Percec said. “As nations around the world work to eliminate this custom, plastic surgeons can play an important role in the physical, emotional, and psychological recovery of women everywhere.”

(Source: University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine)

Click To Share This News With Your Friends (Photo by A. Wamalwa CIMMYT, CC)

Woman Searches For Boy Who Left Sweet Note, Money on Her Door

By

McKinley Corbley

-

Mar 6, 2017

Earlier this week, a woman found a note on her door reporting a theft. But she wasn’t angry when she discovered the letter – quite the opposite, in fact.

Chrissy Marie of Lakewood, Washington received a note at her home with a $5 bill enclosed.

The note read: “I am sorry that we stole your windchimes. Our mom died and liked butterflies so my sister took it and put it by our window. I am sorry this is only money I have please do not be mad. Jake.”

Moved by the sweet note, Chrissy posted a plea on Facebook asking for Jake to come see her so she could return his money.

“Well Jake, I not sure who you are but you can come get your money back, sweetie,” says Chrissy. “I had 3 of those windchimes and you can come back to get your money and also have another one so both of you have your own. I am not mad please come over to my house.”

Chrissy also reportedly lost her mother at a young age, making her very keen to help the mysterious author.

If anyone has any information on who Jake might be, please be sure to contact Chrissy accordingly.

Click To Share This Sweet Story With Your Friends (Photo by Chrissy Marie)

Dad Builds Backyard Roller Coaster For 3-Year-old Son

By

McKinley Corbley

-

Mar 6, 2017

Who needs to go to Six Flags when you can have your own private roller coaster in your back yard?

The Dad of the Year award goes to Scott Brazelton for building a miniature roller coaster for his 3-year-old son Wyatt.

The Navy pilot spent several weeks building the 140-foot long ride out of PVC pipe and lumber in the backyard of their home in Whidbey Island, Washington.

Scott had originally been reading up on do-it-yourself online plans explaining how to build a treehouse – but then he found instructions on something far more interesting: building mini rollercoasters.

“I studied engineering in college a little bit,” Brazelton told the Whidbey Times. “I wouldn’t say it’s any special ability on my part. It’s very convenient nowadays to go online and pretty much learn how to do anything. You can tile a house or you can do something as crazy as this.”

(WATCH the video below)

Click To Share This Fun Story With Your Friends

Dog Completes Hardest Race in the World Just to Find a Home (WATCH)

By

McKinley Corbley

-

Mar 6, 2017

This unbelievably strong-willed pooch went through hell and high water just so he could find a home with Mikael Lindnord.

Back during the 2014 Adventure Racing Championship in Ecuador, Mikael was competing in the relay as the captain of a four person team. The team would be biking, paddling, and hiking across 435 miles of the world’s most treacherous terrain.

While they were gearing up at a checkpoint located a portion of the way through the race, they were joined by an unlikely visitor: a mangy dog rife with wounds and dirty fur.

Saddened by the pup’s appearance, Mikael fed him some meatballs before the team headed out on the trail once more.

As they hiked, they noticed that they were being followed by none other than the mangy canine himself.

Despite the difficulties of the landscape, the hound kept up with Mikael’s team for even the most dicey escapades. When the group got stuck in mud, the dog was close behind. When they started paddle boarding down the river, he jumped in to swim after them until they pulled him aboard.

VIDEO: Dog Wearing Life Jacket is Found Adrift in Vast Gulf of Mexico

Inspired by his perseverance, Mikael decided to name him King Arthur.

The team eventually finished in 12th place – but in exchange for the rank, they had been given a life-changing experience; one that Mikael did not take lightly.

If Arthur was left in Ecuador, he most likely would die of his wounds or be attacked by locals. So the Swedish resident flew his new companion 6,455 miles all the way back to his home nation for adoption.

After being treated for his injuries and quarantined by country officials, Arthur was given a loving home.

(WATCH the video below)

Click To Share This Pawesome Story With Your Friends (Photo by ESPN)

Customer Admires Chick-fil-A Employee So Much, He Built Him a New Home

By

McKinley Corbley

-

Mar 5, 2017

Ever since Bryan Smith met Shakeel Williams at Chick-Fil-A, he couldn’t help but feel inspired by the youth’s kindness and disposition.

So as a gift to his beloved restaurant server, Bryan built a house for the young man and his family.

Times had been tough for the Williams family since “Shack” – as he is called – has struggled with sickle cell anemia. Hospital bills were so expensive, the family was forced to live in a small trailer in McClellanville, South Carolina.

When Bryan first befriended the youth after ordering a chicken sandwich, the two became closer and closer. Bryan, who is the president of a title agency, started helping to pay for Shakeel’s medical bills.

Then, while he was giving Shakeel a ride home from work one day, he decided he was going to do something even bigger: he was going to build the Williams family a house of their own.

The results were magical. “It’s like a blessing,” Shekeel told WCBD.

(WATCH the video below)

Click To Share The Sweet Story With Your Friends – Photo by WCBD

Do We Look Like Our Names? New Research Says Yes

By

Good News Network

-

Mar 5, 2017

We’re told not to judge a book by its cover, but we make instant judgments about people’s intelligence, trustworthiness or dominance based on their facial appearance. Now, researchers have investigated the reverse possibility: can the way people judge us — based on our given name — influence how we look?

To answer this question, researchers led by Dr. Ruth Mayo and Yonat Zwebner at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem examined whether a person’s appearance can be influenced by their given name. To do this, they recruited independent observers and showed them color headshot photographs of complete strangers. Then they presented a list of names to the observers and asked them to choose the stranger’s real name based on his or her facial appearance.

In a series of studies, the observers repeatedly beat the odds of correctly identifying a person’s name based on their facial appearance alone. For example, upon looking at the face and considering four possible names – Jacob, Dan, Joseph or Nathaniel – observers correctly chose “Dan” 38% of the time, significantly above the 25% chance level of a random guess. This effect held true even when the researchers controlled for age and ethnicity, implying that something more than simple socioeconomic cues is at work.

Even computers were able to beat the odds, correctly matching names and faces much more often than not.

“Our research demonstrates that indeed people do look like their name,” said Dr. Ruth Mayo, senior lecturer in the Department of Psychology at the university. “Furthermore, we suggest this happens because of a process of self-fulfilling prophecy, as we become what other people expect us to become.”

Supporting the notion of a self-fulfilling prophecy, the researchers found that observers beat the odds of correctly guessing a person’s name even when they were only allowed to see their hairstyle. This suggests that people may choose the hairstyle that fits a stereotype associated with their name.

The researchers confirmed that observers in a second country and culture were also able to beat the odds. However while observers were good at matching faces to names within their own culture, they were not good at doing so in a foreign culture. This supports the idea that name stereotypes are important when matching faces with names.

MORE: Heartfelt Memories May Be More Effective Than Shaming to Help Smokers Quit

The researchers also found that observers are less good at guessing the given name of people who use a nickname exclusively. This indicates that a person’s appearance is affected by their name only if they use it, and not if it simply appears on a birth certificate.

In one study, the researchers completely removed the human factor from the matching process. Using a computerized paradigm, they found that computers were able to beat the odds when asked to choose the correct name for 94,000 different faces. This further supports the idea that our faces contain relevant information related to our names.

“We are familiar with similar processes from other stereotypes like race and gender, where many times the stereotypical expectations of others affect who we become. We hypothesize that there are similar stereotypes about names, including how someone with a specific name looks, and these expectations really do affect our facial appearance,” said Dr. Mayo.

CHECK OUT: Simple Checklist Leads to 82% Drop in Mental Health Patient Suicides

According to the researchers, the possibility that our name can influence our look, even to a small extent, suggests the important role of social structuring in the complex interaction between the self and society. The research suggests that we are subject to social structuring from the minute we are born, not only by our gender, ethnicity, and socioeconomic status, but also by the simple choice that others make in giving us our name.

Future research could examine the precise nature of the mechanism leading to the emergence of this face-name matching effect, for example how a person’s name matches his or her face at different stages of life. Another question worth exploring is why some people have a very high face-name match while others have a low match.(Source: The Hebrew University of Jerusalem)

Name This Story To Your Friends: Click To Share (Photo by Salvaje, CC)

This Tortoise Accidentally Saved a Bunny’s Life – and Now They’re Best Buds

By

McKinley Corbley

-

Mar 5, 2017

The tortoise and the hare may have been arch enemies in old folktales, but these two oddball companions have been best pals since Wamba the reptile accidentally saved the bunny’s life.

Ron Brink of the Ritz-Carlton hotel in Dove Mountain, Arizona is the proud caretaker of Wamba – a happy 50-pound African tortoise who lives in heated shelter near the hotel.

When Ron visited his tortoise enclosure the other morning, however, he found another creature residing inside: a tiny baby bunny.

WATCH: Hummingbird Refuses to Leave the Dog Who Saved Her Life

The bunny had reportedly been wandering through the surrounding wilderness when it came across Wamba’s cozy heated enclosure. Despite there being a massive reptile living inside, it decided to take refuge anyway – and Wamba showed surprising hospitality. Luck was smiling on the bunny, too, because choosing this accommodation actually ended up saving the rabbit’s life.

When Ron found the bunny resting with the tortoise, he found that there were several layers of matted weeds and grasses constricting its windpipe. If no one had examined the bunny, it likely would have choked to death.

Ron and Wamba will look after the little critter until it’s healthy and full-grown. Whether it will return to the wild or choose to stay with its new friends remains to be seen, but one thing is for sure: they will cross that finish line together.

Click To Share This Bunny-ful Friendship With Your Own Pals (Photo by the Ritz-Carlton, Dove Mountain)

“Kung Fu Grandma” Practices Martial Arts for 9 Decades (WATCH)

By

Good News Network

-

Mar 5, 2017

Zhang Hexian may be 94 years old, but she’s still just as lithe and limber as the youngsters in her village.

Fondly known as “Kung Fu Grandma” to the residents of Ninghai County in east China’s Zhejiang Province, Zhang has been practicing kung fu ever since she was 4 years old, amounting to nine decades of discipline and practice. As an esteemed resident of a village made up entirely of kung fu practitioners, Zhang undergoes a daily fitness regiment to stay tough.

“She wakes up very early and does physical exercises every morning. She usually runs around the village for morning exercise,” Zhang’s son Feng Chuanyin told CCTV.

Though Zhang has fought off thugs and ruffians before, she is still apparently a warm and loving neighbor who is always ready to help someone in need.

(WATCH the video below)

Click To Share This Powerful Story With Your Friends…

Pakistani Province Grows 750 Million Trees

By

McKinley Corbley

-

Mar 4, 2017

Pakistani representatives have just announced that – thanks to a massive reforestation campaign – the country has planted 750 million trees since 2015.

The nation plans on increasing the number of planted trees to 1 billion by the end of 2018.

According to VOA, the trees are being planted along the Hindu Kush mountain range in the northwestern region of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The initiative, dubbed the “Billion Tree Tsunami” has also provided 500,000 jobs to impoverished locals.

The regional government has employed a provisional protection squad to protect the seedlings from timber mafia planning on stealing and selling the lumber.

The $300 million initiative is reportedly being funded by the Pakistani government, as well as illegal funds confiscated from timber mafia members.

Plant Some Positivity: Click To Share (Photo by Rajiv Ramchandra)

95-Year-old Holocaust Survivor Has a Roommate: a 31-Year-old Granddaughter of Nazis

By

McKinley Corbley

-

Mar 4, 2017

These roommates may seem like an unlikely pair, but their friendship has provided valuable comfort and inspiration for both of them.

95-year-old Ben Stern is a Holocaust survivor residing in Berkeley, California. His housemate, 31-year-old Lea Heitfeld is a descendent of Nazis.

The young German student is currently getting her master’s degree in Jewish studies as part of the Graduate Theological Union. Her history, inspiring her to repent for her ancestor’s sins, has compelled her to help educate others on the importance of religious tolerance.

Their companionship is especially valuable for Ben, since his 70-year-old wife was recently checked into a nursing home for dementia. He and the student reportedly spend their time watching TV, eating dinner together, and chatting over crackers.

“This act of his opening his home, I don’t know how to describe it, how forgiving or how big your heart must be to do that, and what that teaches me to be in the presence of someone who has been through that and is able to have me there and to love me,” Lea told the Washington Post. “That he was able to open the door for someone who would remind him of all his pain.”

(WATCH the video below)

Click To Share The News With Your Friends – Photo by Lea Heitfeld

Woman Invites Lonely Widower to Dinner “Date”, He Arrives With Suit and Flowers

By

McKinley Corbley

-

Mar 4, 2017

Ellie Walker was heartbroken when she heard that Edwin Holmes would be spending Christmas Day alone – so she invited him to dinner over the holiday break.

When he showed up for the “date”, he arrived wearing his best suit with flowers in hand, reducing Ellie to tears.

86-year-old Edwin has lived alone since his wife passed away in 2006 and his children moved to Australia. Ellie, who works at a Sainesbury’s store in Leeds, England, had always considered Edwin her favorite customer. So when she heard about his loneliness, she didn’t hesitate to ask him out.

The two have enjoyed regular lunches and coffee meet-ups since their initial dinner

“He said it was his first ‘date’ in 55 years and he was as nervous as a schoolboy,” Ellie told the Sun. “It made me cry because I could see how much it meant to him.”

“For me it’s the most important part of my job to speak with customers and see how their day is going.”

Click To Share This Sweet Story With Your Friends (Photo by Sainesbury’s Press Office)

Suffering From Spring Allergies? Probiotics May Curb Your Symptoms

By

Good News Network

-

Mar 4, 2017

As we head into allergy season, you may feel less likely to grab a tissue and sneeze if you are eating a probiotic combination that has been shown to reduce hay fever symptoms.

Probiotics, which are live bacteria and yeasts—in foods such as sauerkraut, pickles, live-cultured Greek yogurt, and miso soup—have already been proven in published studies to regulate the body’s immune response to allergies, but not all probiotics show a benefit.

University of Florida researchers have figured out which one did.

The probiotic combination of lactobacilli and bifidobacteria, sold as the Kyo-Dophilus supplement in stores, is known to aid in maintaining digestive health and parts of the immune system.

UF researchers wanted to know if the components in this combination probiotic would help alleviate allergy symptoms. They suspected that it might work by increasing the human body’s percentage of regulatory T-cells, which in turn might increase tolerance to hay fever symptoms.

To do that, they enrolled 173 healthy adults who said they suffered seasonal allergies and randomly split them into two groups: some took the combination probiotic; others took a placebo. Each week during the eight-week experiment in the height of spring allergy season, participants responded to an online survey to convey their discomfort level.

MORE: First Ever Study Shows Chair Yoga is Effective Arthritic Treatment

Scientists also analyzed DNA from participants’ stool samples to determine how their bacteria changed, because probiotics aim to deliver good bacteria to the human’s intestinal system. The DNA test also confirmed who was taking the probiotic.

Participants who took the probiotic reported improvements in quality of life, compared to those taking the placebo, the study showed. For example, participants suffered fewer allergy-related nose symptoms, which meant that they were less troubled during daily activities.

MORE: Go On… Let Dogs Lick You, It’s Good For Your Health

Researchers note that this study did not include severe allergy sufferers. But the combination of probiotics showed clinical benefit for those with more mild seasonal allergies, Langkamp-Henken said.

Allergy medications today have unwanted potential side effects, including dry mouth and drowsiness, so this holistic alternative might be just what the doctor ordered.

(Source: University of Florida)

Don’t Be Allergic To Sharing the News With Your Friends! – ALSO, (Photo by Trachis, CC)

Elementary School Gives Honorable Viking Funerals For Class Goldfish

By

Good News Network

-

Mar 3, 2017

These warrior goldfish were too good for the goldfish bowl – so their child guardians gave them a proper sendoff in style.

The kids of Papdale Primary School in Orkney, Scotland were learning about Vikings in school when their beloved class pets Bubbles and Freddy passed away.

WATCH: Girl Once Denied a Horse Trained Her Cow Instead

So in honor of their deaths, the grade 3 and 4 classes gave them Viking funerals with little cardboard boats. Apparently, the ship made out of an egg carton floated the best.

“We knew that the Vikings would only have sent the most beautiful ships to be burned for important people in their communities,” says the school. “While we will miss Freddy and Bubbles, we certainly enjoyed giving them a good send off to Valhalla.”

Click To Share The Sweet Story With Your Friends

Elon Musk Takes Surprisingly Good Ad Advice From 10-Year-old

By

McKinley Corbley

-

Mar 3, 2017

@elonmusk Elon, my daughter wrote you a letter for a school project. She mailed it to Tesla, but I figured I'd paste here. Thank you! pic.twitter.com/ntGEL9WCh3
— Steven (@Writer_StevenL) March 2, 2017

Elon Musk isn’t just a tech genius – the Tesla CEO has made headlines for taking the time to respond to a child’s letter.

This note in particular, however, had some extraordinarily good advice; advice which Musk was wise to take.

The father of a 5th grade student named Bria sent a scanned letter written by his adorable daughter to the tech genius on Twitter. In the letter, Bria made a suggestion for the notoriously ad-less company’s marketing department.

Instead of totally avoiding advertisements all together, Tesla could hold a competition for best fan-made commercial.

“I have noticed that you do not advertise, but many people make homemade commercials for Telsa and some of them are very good,” wrote the youth. “I think that you should run a competition on who can make a the best homemade Tesla commercial and the winners will get their commercial aired.”

“You could give the winners a year of free Supercharging [the process by which Tesla drivers charge their vehicles] or a Model 3 Easter egg or something,” added Bria.

CHECK OUT: 7-Year-old Applies For Job at Google, Gets Letter Back From CEO

The girl goes on to detail how much her and her father adore Tesla cars and how they are “very smart and friendly to the environment”.

To conclude the adorable – and surprisingly articulate – note, Bria expresses her plans to one day drive her own Tesla-made vehicle… after she gets her license, of course.

“I hope that when I’m older, I can drive a Tesla. It’s so sad that they cannot be sold in Michigan. It’s such a hassle to have to drive to a different state to get a car! I plan to be a politician when I grow up, and I will make sure that the government protects the environment, and Teslas can be bought anywhere.”

MORE: Girl Hailed for Using Google Translate to Befriend New Student

Musk eventually received the letter, and expressed his adoration for the idea: “Thank you for the lovely letter. That sounds like a great idea. We’ll do it!”

The exact start date of Bria’s suggested ad campaign is unclear, but we think it is fair to say that this 5th grader has a bright future – whether it be advertising or politics.

Click To Share This Sweet Story With Your Friends

9 Reasons You Should Plan a Trip to Mardi Gras Next Year, Like I Did (LOOK)

By

McKinley Corbley

-

Mar 3, 2017

Another Mardi Gras has come and gone in the great city of New Orleans, Louisiana. Its population of 400,000 bulges with the flood of visitors pouring in from around the world, expanding to a whopping 1.4 million people all sharing a common goal: to have fun.

Whether you’re joining the festivities with your family, or college mates, or just on your own like I did this week, there’s something for everyone, even the most conservative.

CHECK OUT: Van Gogh Themed Parade Dazzles With Amazing Dahlia-Covered Floats

If you’ve never visited and have the opportunity to go next year, save the date, Tuesday, February 13, knowing that celebrations abound throughout the previous week. Here are some of my favorite moments and local customs you may not know about.

1. Street Poets

We’ve all thrown a dollar to a particularly good street musician, but have you ever found a street poet?

These resident writers pop up around the city with typewriter at the ready in order to create any kind of requested prose that you could think of.

Though some the artists may work for a fee, many are donation based so you can contribute whatever you want. The writer pictured above, a New Orleans resident named Cameron Lovejoy, told me that a generous paying reveler once gave him $100. Another, he told me, gave him nothing in exchange for a poem about a slice of lime sitting on the sidewalk nearby.

Whatever the cost, a commissioned poem written especially for you on Mardi Gras is far more memorable to take home than the typical souvenir of disposable plastic beads.

2. Secret Ball Dances

Some Mardi Gras balls are more secret than others, but there are dances throughout the city that range from silly to scandalous. Some require a specially extended invitation – others can be attended just by showing up.

Balls include a host of different themes and music; circus themed, costume-required, balls playing only electronic dance music, or just speak-easy style swing and jazz events. One resident whom I was chatting with said that she once attended a ball where – if your costume wasn’t elaborate enough – you could only enter the ballroom in the nude.

LOOK: Hawaiian Volcano Erupts Into Smiley Face Just as its Flow Reaches the Sea

To find out what’s going on around town, simply befriend some locals and ask them if they can give you any intel. There is most likely some kind of event that aligns with your preference.

3. Crawfish Cookouts

If you’re a fan of crawfish, oysters, or homemade jambalaya, then there’s plenty of reason for you to make a pilgrimage to N“awlins.

Dotted across almost every neighborhood in the city are barbecues, cookouts, roasts, and boils – but most plentiful are the ginormous pots stewing with gallons of seafood. The largest pot of food we encountered was over four feet tall! Many of the chefs responsible for this uniquely local cuisine are usually happy to spare a few bowls.

4. The Costumes

Everyone knows about the tradition of dressing up in elaborate garb for Mardi Gras, but I can’t truly drive home how astounding it is.

There is basically no way you can overdress. Even in the days leading up to Fat Tuesday, everyone in the streets is dressed to the nines in boas, feathers, headdresses, masks, stockings, and wigs. Then, during the day of the actual festival, party-goers break out the heavy duty get-ups.

It is absolutely worth going to Mardi Gras specifically for the costumes.

5. The Musicians

Some of the most talented jazz and blues musicians in the country are hiding out in New Orleans and they definitely know how to have fun.

Almost every club in the French Quarter is complete with a live band playing for tips. Dancing is always welcome – and always encouraged.

6. The Scenery

Do you love to take travel photos? Or, do you just enjoy taking quality selfies? Either way, the colored landscape of Mardi Gras is a goldmine for any aspiring photographer.

Apart from the general architecture of New Orleans being gorgeously ornate and eye-catching, a lot of the houses and trees are positively drenched in beads.

It definitely creates a surreal – but extraordinarily beautiful – backdrop for the festivities.

7. Parade Floats

Who doesn’t enjoy a good parade?

There’s a dozen different parades happening around the city during Mardi Gras weekend and a lot of the locals will discuss for days which one is the best.

CHECK OUT: Photographer Captures Lava, Meteor, and Milky Way in One Shot

Each float is elaborately decorated and themed–and all the passengers riding aboard are more than happy to toss some beads your way.

Just be sure to watch the skies for anything heavier than the necklaces – you might get whacked in the head by a glow sword if you’re not paying attention.

8. The Arts Market

If you mosey up Frenchmen Street, be sure to stop by the arts market.

The artists are all locally based and their wares are truly otherworldly.

I repeat my earlier point; any of the paintings, sculptures, clothing, or designs that come from the arts market will make for way better souvenirs than some disposable plastic beads that you’re never going to wear again.

9. The Burlesque Shows

This one may be too saucy for the whole family, but if you’ve never been to a burlesque show, they’re absolutely something worth checking off the bucket list.

There are hundreds of burlesque shows throughout the city for any niche interest; the dancer pictured above did a dazzling Quentin Tarantino-themed dance before finishing the show with a Sarah Connor costume from Terminator.

If you’re made uncomfortable by such raciness, skip this one. If not, then take a peak. There’s just as much goofiness involved as there is hedonism.

Start Planning Your Own Trip To Mardi Gras: Click To Share (Photos by McKinley Corbley)

Zimbabwe Finally Bans the Beating of Children

By

McKinley Corbley

-

Mar 3, 2017

The East African country of Zimbabwe has just ruled that the beating of children is constitutional and will now be punishable by law.

Though corporal punishment at home and in school has been banned by the High Court, it still needs to be approved by the constitutional court as well.

The pivotal decision comes as a result of parental outrage over evidence that their children were being beaten in school for minor academic offenses.

After finding vicious bruises inflicted on her daughter’s body by a school teacher, Linah Pfungwa teamed up with a children’s rights organization in order to take the corporal punishment law to court.

Justice David Mangota eventually ruled that parents and teachers would have to find other means of disciplining children that didn’t involve physical violence, according to the BBC.

The ruling is an especially exciting follow-up to Zimbabwe outlawing child marriage over one year ago.

Click To Share The News With Your Friends (Photo by Rod Waddington, CC)

Watch a Refugee Father Finally Reunite With Family After 4 Years

By

McKinley Corbley

-

Mar 3, 2017

It had been almost half of a decade since Dyan had seen his wife and two sons. Then a few months ago, he was finally reunited with his family.

Dyan’s pregnant wife had stepped off of a plane in Fort Worth, Texas as a Sudanese refugee four years ago. While they were getting settled in America, her and her two sons were taken under the wing of a Christian ministry called The Village Church.

The organization took care of the family and helped Dyan maneuver the immigration system while he stayed in a Sudanese refugee camp – that is, until he was finally able to rejoin his wife.

As Dyan walks out of customs, it is not just the first time he is seeing his wife in several years; it’s the first time he gets to see his 3-year-old son whom she gave birth to while he was overseas.

At one point during the video, Dyan becomes so overwhelmed by the reunion, he falls to his knees in gratitude.

“Xenophobia is nowhere in the heart of God. He is all about the nations!” says the film’s creator Robert Fuqua. “For me, this video is a testament to what can happen when God’s people respond in simple, yet sacrificial obedience to God’s call on the Church … to engage and embrace people of all tongues and tribes.”

(WATCH the video below)

Dyan comes home from Robert Fuqua on Vimeo.

Click To Share This Tearful Reunion With Your Friends