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How to Be Grateful Even During Tough Times

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Faced with busy schedules and challenging lives, we often forget how fortunate we truly are. Even when things are going well we forget.

Being thankful should be treated as an important part of the day because appreciation contributes to our genuine happiness.

When you are grateful, it helps you to be more positive, receptive, optimistic, hopeful, peaceful, and grounded, especially during trying situations.

When times are tough, or if you are in the midst of despair, or emotional mayhem, taking a moment to foster your appreciation will create a sense of encouragement and calm when you need it most.

When you acknowledge the people and things in your day that were helpful or appreciated, it can put things back in perspective again and bring you back to center or a more mindful space.

It is good to write things down before going to bed, creating a grateful ending to the day. Using all these techniques will really focus you on your blessings, even in the midst of challenges.

Make A Conscious Effort: When you make a conscious effort to acknowledge the things and people in your life that you are thankful for, you are saying, “No matter what, I am still grateful”. You aren’t closing your eyes, you are keeping them open to see more and more beauty and goodness in your life even on days when it’s tough to see them.

Write Them Down: When you jot things down, as opposed to just thinking about them, you are truly taking in each and every one. You aren’t just aware of them, you are acknowledging them. You are pausing and remembering the positives of your day and in your life. You are focusing on a moment in time that you truly appreciated and you are allowing it to sink into your heart and soul.

Remain Hopeful: Some days can be extremely hard to be optimistic or feel good about. Being grateful reminds you there are people supporting you and things that helped you through your day. These are the encouragements and cheerleaders to help you through the tough time and it’s important to recognize and honor them.GNN app banner ad 300x250

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Acknowledge the Challenges: Challenges are generally not something someone wants to go through, let alone appreciate. Yet, they are often the very things that can help define, fine-tune, improve, alter, and sometimes force necessary changes and growth. In time, triumphs really can emerge from tragedies. Don’t forget to acknowledge the challenges, what you are learning, and most importantly, what you are grateful for because of this hardship.

Treasure The Moments: Moments come and go throughout the day, and sometimes they can be overlooked, under-appreciated, or taken for granted. They won’t be though if you acknowledge them. It’s the little things that may go unnoticed but are so important to notice.

Don’t Forget When You Are Feeling Good: When things are going great, and you are feeling on top of the world, don’t forget to appreciate all that you have and all that you are. In a blink of an eye things can change and you don’t want to forget to truly be thankful for all the goodness in your life.

kim2There truly are many blessings, and it’s important to acknowledge and give thanks for them.

What and/or whom are you grateful for today?

Kimberley Cohen, the founder, facilitator and personal coach of The Insight Technique, is certified in body mind counseling, process oriented body work and spiritual psychotherapy. Soar through the limiting beliefs holding you back and experience the freedom of unlimited possibilities. Sign up today for your FREE Special Report – 3 Key Insights That Can Change Your Life! www.TheInsightTechnique.com

Top Gear Host Honored With Plaque Marking Death Of His BBC Career

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History now marks Simonstone Hall hotel as the final resting place of Top Gear host Jeremy Clarkson’s 13-year career with the British Broadcasting Company.

Submitted to the hotel by an anonymous guest, A plaque reads “Here lies the BBC career of Jeremy Clarkson who had a fracas on this spot 4th March 2015. The rest is legend.”

After socking his Irish producer Oisin Tymon in the mouth, Clarkson, who is beloved around the world for his cheeky automotive show, was then suspended and dropped from his BBC contract. His car-loving cohorts James May and Richard Hammond quit in solidarity.

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“We were presented with this plaque from one of our guests last night!” wrote a representative of Simonstone Hall on Facebook, who posted this photo.  “We think it would be quite appropriate to put it on the patio where the fracas took place!”

The trio will be starting a new automobile-themed show in the New Year on Amazon Prime with just as much shenanigans and sabotage as ever.

WATCH: Hilarious Cat-astrophe Ruins Christmas, Until Neighbors Save it (MUST-SEE)

Neighborhood Surprises Widow With Holiday Light Decoration (WATCH)

 

Natalie Conkel had been having a blue Christmas ever since her husband died five years ago.

This year was the first since he passed away that Natalie put up holiday decorations to light up her house, but they were stolen a week later.

Her neighbors in San Lorenzo, California weren’t going to allow her holiday spirit to be taken away by a Grinch, so after sending out a call for aid on social media, all of Natalie’s friends and neighbors hatched a plan to redecorate her house while she was out to lunch with her son.

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When the widow and son arrived home on Tuesday, they were welcomed by the sight of her house alit with color and the entire neighborhood singing Christmas carols, ready to present flowers and gifts.

Conkel was shocked and awed by the wonder around her and said she once again believed in the holiday spirit. The neighbors even presented her with $300 for the electric bill.

RELATED: One More Reason to Love Jennifer Lawrence – What She Did on Christmas Eve

“Now I can celebrate Christmas,” said Natalie to KTVU. “Now it will be much better.”

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Syrian Refugee Feeds Homeless to Thank Germany for Taking Him In

Refugee Alex Assali Helps Homeless Facebook Tabeau Bu

This Syrian refugee is paying back the country that welcomed him by feeding their homeless.

Alex Assali left behind his home to escape ISIL and found refuge in Germany. Now, every Saturday morning, he cooks hot food and hands it out to the needy from a table outside the Berlin train station.

GNN app banner ad 300x250A sign on his food stand reads, “Give Something Back To German People.”

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Another sign explains that he’s part of a Syrian Christian project that helps the homeless: “Our goal is to give something back to the people who helped us.”

Tabea Bu snapped this picture and posted it to Facebook.

THATS ALEX! A big shoutout to him this morning, Dieser Mann beeindruckt mich zu tiefst! Seine Geschichte ist nicht...

Posted by Tabea Bü on Saturday, November 21, 2015

 

“This man impressed me deeply!” Tabea wrote on her Facebook post. “God bless him, as he is a blessing for so many more people!”

He’s impressed lots of other people, too. The image has been viewed more than 2.8 million times on photo sharing site Imgur.

RELATED:  After Wedding, Instead of Fancy Meal Couple Serves 4000 Syrian Refugees

“This is what humanity should look like,” wrote Imgur user ChapterOneUnabridged.

(READ more at The Telegraph and SHARE this story)— Photo: Tabea Bu, Facebook

Be a Star at Thanksgiving: 8 Awe-Inspiring Stories to Bring to the Party

Credit: Didriks

family-toast-dinner-table-CC-Didriks

Need some conversation starters to steer away from politics or Aunt Millie’s surgery during your family gatherings? Here are eight compelling and funny stories from Good News Network to engage any audience.

14 Yrs After Receiving a Shoebox Gift, Filipino Girl Marries Idaho Boy Who Sent it

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When a young Filipino girl received a gift-filled shoebox for Christmas in 2000, she couldn’t have imagined that she would one day meet the 7-year-old boy from Idaho who packed the inspirational box 7000 miles away—and, she certainly never dreamed she would marry that American 14 years later.

We learned about their remarkable story following their wedding last year, when Joana and her new husband Tyrel Wolfe requested that all their guests fill up their own shoeboxes for Operation Christmas Child. They personally delivered those boxes to the charity that was the catalyst of their love story. (READ more of their story, here)

Cute Russian 5-yr-olds Escape From Kindergarten To Buy A Sports Car

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A pair of 5-year-olds in Russia made a mad dash for freedom after digging under their kindergarten fence from a sandbox with toy spades. Finally, after a week of planning, the youngsters took a mile-long stroll through the town to the nearest luxury car showroom where the boys politely informed the salesperson that they were looking to purchase a Jaguar and tactfully started their haggling with, “We don’t have any money.” (THIS hilarious story is great to read out loud)

Sick of Banks, One Man Opened His Own: The Wild Success of “Bank On Dave”

bank on Dave featured photo-screenshotYouTube

A small businessman was so frustrated when his upstanding customers could not get loans from the big banks than he decided to start his own. David Fishwick, a short, balding powder-keg of a man, decided to call it “Bank of Dave.” When it finally opened, it was an instant success, with hundreds of people in Burnley, England lining up down the block to give him $1.8 million worth of business on the first day. But it took a lot of scrappy fighting with bank regulators to get there. . .  Learn more about the man who cusses like a sailor, and ends up helping the entire community. (READ the story or Watch a video clip)

Using the Force: Yoda Levitates Cake at International Baking Show–How Does She Do It? (VIDEO)

Yoda Levitating Cake screenshot Pebryon Cakes

Every cook has a secret recipe, but this one takes the cake.

The baker, Christine Jenson is not giving away the secret to how this Star Wars cake appears to levitate. She insists that it’s “The Force”–and you may seriously believe her after watching it yourself. Check out this video and see if you can figure it out.

Dapper Young Boy Gets Bionic Arm From ‘Tony Stark’ Himself (Robert Downey Jr.)

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Once upon a time, a little boy with just one arm needed a champion. Sometimes, the heroic knight in shining armor turns out to be the man beneath the red Iron Man suit. “Tony Stark” himself showed up, not under the celebrity spotlights but in a quiet room to, well, give the boy a hand. (Watch what happens in this video and you will love RDJ even more.)

66 Hollywood Dance Scenes Timed Perfectly to Uptown Funk Hit

Uptown Funk Fred Astair released Sony and 20th Century Fox

Fred and Ginger, meet Mark Ronson and Bruno Mars. This video mashup of classic Hollywood dance moves cut to the “Uptown Funk” groove shows dancers from the 30s and 40s have all of today’s best moves.

Hilarious Cat-astrophe Ruins Christmas, Until Neighbors Save it

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This amazing animated video shows how a cat can create a real world disaster, but the mischief wrought at Christmas can remind us what the season is all about.

Lewd Joke Doll Proves 98-Year-old Grandma With Dementia is Still a Charmer

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Even though this great-grandmother had Alzheimer’s at age 98, she can still make fantastic memories with her family – like the laughter that came from a pair of lewd “flasher” dolls she crafted for her granddaughters 40 years before. This video shows her laughing just as hard when reintroduced to the dolls at 98, as when she first gave them to the teenage girls in the 1970s. What memories will your family hold on to?

BONUS Round:

turkey-tribune-video-permissionGive Your Family a Thanksgiving Quiz With These 13 Trivia Questions About Turkey Day

From the Macy’s Parade to the traditional Thanksgiving meal, you may think you know all there is to know about the American holiday. Test your family’s knowledge with these 13 bits of trivia about Thanksgiving.

HAVE a Happy Holiday… And get our new FREE APP that keeps you uplifted with a Daily Dose of Good News!

(Photo credits: (top) Didriks; (tots on playground) Goombay

A Handful of Walnuts May Trick You Into Lowering Your Cholesterol

Walnuts - Credit Ivar Leidus on Wikimedia CC BY-SA 4.0
Walnuts – Credit Ivar Leidus on Wikimedia CC BY-SA 4.0

Researchers may have cracked a secret to naturally lowering cholesterol. It may sound nutty, but one side effect of eating walnuts is the tendency to be psyched about eating healthier the rest of the time.

GNN app banner ad 300x250Previous studies have found a link between nuts and heart health, attributed to nuts being a rich source for vitamin E, folate, and essential fatty acids. But this latest study found that eating walnuts simply led people to make smarter diet choices.

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Researchers at Yale University divided 112 people at high risk of diabetes into two groups — half who were counseled on nutrition and half who weren’t.

Then they randomly chose people from both groups and had them add two ounces of walnuts to their daily diets for six month. After that, they were told not to eat walnuts for six months.

What they found was that people who’d eaten the walnuts made healthier diet choices afterwards regardless of whether they were getting nutrition advice or not. The people who’d eaten walnuts for six months, showed better cholesterol results at the end of the year-long study.

RELATED:  Walnuts May Ward Off or Even Prevent Alzheimer’s

“So even if you don’t talk to people about [making room in their diet] for these calories, they seem to do pretty well,” Dr. David Katz, the lead author of the study, told Live Science.

Researchers say their findings warrant further studies with more diverse groups to better gauge the benefits of walnuts.

The results were published in the journal BMJ Open Diabetes Research & Care in November.

Giving Shoes Off Her Feet to Homeless Lady on Subway, Starts Chain Reaction

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Some people will give the shirt off their back, but this New York woman gave the shoes right off her feet to help a barefoot homeless woman better cope with cold city streets.

Kay Brown was riding the subway home from work when she saw the woman step onto her train car. Without anything covering her feet, the woman was crossing her toes trying to keep them warm.

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Brown said later she just couldn’t let the moment go by. She took off her favorite boots and handed them to the woman, who began to cry as she put them on.

“Yeah, I loved those boots, but it’s not like they weren’t replaceable,” Brown told the New York Daily News. “What’s a pair of shoes, or a few hours out of your day, to go help other people?”

Only afterward did she notice she had worn mismatched socks — thin ones that weren’t built to handle a six-block walk home from the subway. A man who had witnessed the generosity pulled some thick gym socks from his duffle bag and gave them to her, in a chain reaction of kindness.

When a sporting goods store heard about her generous act, it offered her a shopping spree. Brown took them up on the offer, then took her reward of shoes, fleece jackets, and other clothes and donated it all to a women’s shelter.

(WATCH the video below from WLWT News) — Photos: Kay Brown, Facebook

Teen Wins $400K Using Humor to Explain Theory of Relativity (WATCH)

Theory of Special Relativity YouTube Ryan Chester

This 18-year-old high school senior used popcorn, backyard props, and some slapstick humor to explain, in easy to understand terms, one of the most complex and world-changing scientific theories ever—Albert Einstein’s Theory of Special Relativity.

GNN app banner ad 300x250Ryan Chester chuckled when he got the news his video had won the first ever Breakthrough Junior Challenge November 8—and the $400,000 prize that goes along with it.

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“When I got the call saying I won, (they) told me they got a lot of exceptional submissions, but I guess mine cracked them up,” Chester told USA Today.

Tech industry leaders created the Breakthrough Prize to honor the “breakthroughs of the year” by awarding $4 million worth of prizes to scientists. The Khan Academy, a nonprofit online classroom founded by Salman Kahn that provides world-class education for people everywhere, partnered with the Breakthrough Prize this year for the award aimed at teens.

Khan says Chester’s “personality and humor” made the dense scientific theory approachable.

Chester’s prize money is divided between him and his school, The teen gets $250,000 for college, his physics teacher receives $50,000 for inspiring him, and the remaining $100,000 will go toward a new science lab at his San Francisco, California high school.

(WATCH Ryan Chester’s YouTube video below and READ more at USA Today)

Most Vets Don’t Qualify For Dental Care, So Dentists Are Giving It For Free

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Just as millions of working class people without dental insurance struggle to keep a full set of teeth, veterans wish they could keep their oral health squared away enough to pass inspection.

During the whole of last year, a mobile dental office took on that battle for thousands of veterans–and scored a victory.

GNN app banner ad 300x250The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) provides most varieties of health care to vets, but dental care is only afforded to the disabled.

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Because of that, many former service members live with a poor oral appearance that, in some cases, keeps them from finding a good job that would offer dental insurance to help fix it.

That’s where the “Mouth Mobile”–and its thousands of volunteer dentists and technicians–comes in. It’s a fully-functional, 42-foot rolling dental care van complete with a lab for making dentures, it’s own X-ray equipment, and two fully functioning exam and treatment rooms.

The project has provided $2.8 million in free dental care for roughly 4,000 veterans in 2015.

Aspen Dental, one of the largest dental care chains in the U.S. has been providing free care with the van since early 2014 as part of it’s “Healthy Mouth Movement.” In its second year, they chose to focus on veterans.

RELATED: Veteran Homelessness Has Been Ended in Virginia, First State to Do It

Partnering with nonprofit “Got Your 6” (which is military-speak for “watching your back”), Mouth Mobile travelled around America, bringing their dental office directly to retired service members in need.

“It’s important we take care of the most urgent pain they are in and make sure we take care of all their needs in a limited amount of time,” Dr. Nicholas Miller, an Aspen Dental dentist told WLNS News.

(WATCH the WLNS News video below or READ more at Huff Post) — Photo: Aspen Dental

Woman Who Hugged Every Returning Soldier Gets Hugs Back in Hospital

Hug Lady Elizabeth Laird screenshot WFAA

A steady stream of service members has marched through Elizabeth Laird’s hospital room over the past few weeks, returning the favor for the woman who has hugged a half-million troops.

Known as the “Hug Lady” around Fort Hood, Texas, the 83-year-old has made it her mission to hug every service member leaving for war or coming home from deployment. For 12 years she’s been a fixture at the airport whenever planes are arriving or departing filled with troops.GNN app banner ad 300x250

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Her routine was disrupted this fall when the breast cancer she’s been fighting since 2005 finally sent her to the hospital.

When word of her illness got out, the Metroplex Hospital in Killeen, Texas was suddenly invaded with service members storming in to hug Laird and to let her know they have her back in the fight against cancer.

They’ve also donated much of the nearly $93,000 raised in a GoFundMe campaign to cover any of the co-pays or deductibles from the “Hug Lady’s” medical bills.

CHECK OUT: Dutch Families Still Tend Graves, Never Forgot Their American Liberators in WWII

Laird was released from the hospital November 20, and she’s getting back on her feet. She says she has to get back to work.

“Got flights coming up,” she told one of her visitors while in the hospital. “Got to get out and hug you.”

(WATCH the video below from WFAA-TV) — Photo: WFAA video

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Southern California’s Air Continues To Get Cleaner, 12% Better Than 2014

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Californians can now breath a little easier, according to a report released at the end of 2015 stating that smog is continuing to clear up.

During 2015’s peak summer season, California had 82 high smog days – twelve percent fewer than the previous year with its tally of 92.

GNN app banner ad 300x250According to the Air Quality Management District, one of the main toxic contributors of smog is ozone. A high smog day by federal standards is when the air consists of 75 parts of ozone per billion.

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The AQMD attributed the dramatic decrease to pollution-cutting programs, and more eco-friendly cars .

(READ more at KPCC) Photo by ChrisGoldNYC, CC

Rapper Snoop Dogg Delights Town, Gives Out 1500 Turkeys And Hugs

Renowned American rapper Snoop Dogg ushered in the Thanksgiving spirit by handing out over 1,500 turkeys – along with optional hugs, kisses, and selfies – for an annual giveaway in Southern California.

Looking for a meaningful way to give back to the town of Inglewood where his production crew is based, Snoop asked the mayor what he could do to help.

GNN app banner ad 300x250This is the second year the enigmatic celebrity has handed out birds, this time almost doubling last year’s total of 800.

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“Inglewood, y’all know I love you.” Snoop announced at the community event November 19. “This is my second home.”

Snoop reportedly took over 800 selfies with everyone in line, and even kicked off the event by moseying right over to the senior’s tent to get pictures with the elderly.

The California artist plans to continue the tradition alongside Inglewood’s Mayor James Butts each year to come.

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Instead of Offering Pocket Change, This Man Changed Homeless Vet’s Life

Homeless vet YouTube Max Zahir

A homeless veteran asking for pocket change was so surprised to be given much more, he broke down in tears.

Max Zahir had stopped to fill his gas tank on his way to work in Yucaipa, California, when the vet approached him, saying he was hungry and hadn’t eaten in a day.

GNN app banner ad 300x250Zahir had the man, Robert, get in his car and took him to a fast food drive-through to buy him a meal.

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Inspired with compassion, Zahir told the homeless man to meet him every day at four o’clock, and he’d buy or bring him food.

As Robert was getting out of the car, he started to cry.

“Nobody’s showed me this much kindness in a while,” the homeless man said.

Zahir hugged his new friend–but later decided to do even more.

Max Zahir with Robert Facebook Zahir
Max Zahir with Robert, via Facebook

RELATED:  Veteran Homelessness Has Been Ended in Virginia, First State to Do It

Since that November encounter, Zahir has given Robert a job at one of his restaurants, found him a place to live, and has launched a GoFundMe campaign that’s raised more than $17,700 in the first five days to help other homeless veterans.

(WATCH Max Zahir’s YouTube video below)

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Kids Wrap Lamp Poles With Free Coats to Keep Homeless People Warm

Coats on Lamp posts Facebook Halifolks

These gifts will do more than just warm the heart — they will warm the hands, ears and bodies of folks who are living in poverty.

At first, the people in Halifax, Nova Scotia were perplexed when they saw lamp posts around town sporting warm jackets stuffed with scarves and mittens. Looking closer, little notes attached to the items informed anyone on the street they were giveaways to all who might be cold.

 

“Whoever is behind this in downtown Halifax, you are awesome,” The Halifolks Facebook page posted with a photo of a pair of the coats.

Kids give Winter Clothes Facebook Tara Smith-Atkins

The “awesome” people behind it were Tara Smith-Atkins and a platoon of little girls.

Kids give Winter Clothes (2) Facebook Tara Smith-AtkinsEvery year, Smith-Atkins collects coats for the homeless and delivers them where she hopes to do a little good.

She headed up to Halifax to celebrate her daughter’s eighth birthday, and the party began with wrapping jackets around trees, streetlights, and signposts.

RELATED:  Woman Fills 200 Backpacks With Love for Homeless To Deliver in Single Night

After an hour on the street, the little girls were anxious to feel the heater when they got back to the car. Smith-Atkins says the kids “definitely learned” the importance of their mission after spending their own time in the cold.

She and her husband had a similar project in Toronto last year and she’s already planning another coat drive for next year.

(READ more from CBC News) — Photos: Halifolks, Facebook: Tara Smith-Atkins, Facebook

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Boy Who Emptied Piggy Bank For Vandalized Mosque Gets Big Surprise

Jack Swanson iPad Facebook The Muslim Guy

A 7-year-old boy who was saving to buy an iPad, emptied his piggy bank to help others, after a house of worship was vandalized.

His donation so touched a stranger that a reward was on its way for the boy’s generosity.

Jack Swanson heard about vandals defacing the Islamic Center of Pflugerville, Texas and told his mother he wanted to give them all the money he’d saved up — about $20, all in pennies.

When an attorney learned of the boy’s sacrifice, he sent little Jack the Apple tablet he had been eyeing.

RELATED: Muslim Mosque Helps Catholic Church Recover After Shocking Vandalism

“It’s 20 bucks but, coming from Jack collecting his pennies, it’s worth 20 million bucks to me and to our community,” Faisal Naeem, a board member at the Islamic Center, told KXAN News.

Author, human rights lawyer, and editor of The Islamic Monthly Magazine, Arsalan Iftikha told Metro.uk that when he heard about the boy’s gift it brought tears to his eyes. He contacted Jack’s mother and sent the lad the iPad, along with a special thank-you note that read in part:

Because of your amazing generosity & kind heart please enjoy this Apple iPad with our sincere thanks. 🙂
Love, The American Muslim Community

(WATCH the video below from KXAN News) — Photo Arsalan Iftikhar, The Muslim Guy via Facebook

Homeless Choir Invited to Perform at White House Christmas Concert

Homeless Choir to White House Facebook Homeward Choir

A choir of homeless men have been invited to sing at America’s most famous home.

President and Mrs. Obama have invited the Homeward Choir, which is entirely made up of men who stay at the Central Night Shelter in Atlanta, Georgia, to perform at the White House on December 21.

WATCH:  Homeless Piano Player Performs Nat’l Anthem at NFL Game

“It’s been a complete whirlwind,” Donal Noonan, the choir’s director, told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. “I’m so excited for the guys.”

Southwest Airlines has decided to fly all 26 choir members to Washington, DC for the concert.

As of November 21, the nonprofit group has raised more than $10,000 through its website and Facebook page to help pay for the rest of the trip– expenses like food, lodging, clothes, and musical accompaniment.

(WATCH the video below from WXIA or READ more at the Atlanta Journal-Constitution) — Photo: Homeward Choir, Facebook

Cheshire Grin May Vanish, But Alice In Wonderland Lasts 150 Years

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Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland fell down the rabbit hole and into the published world 150 years ago this month.

Lewis Carroll first told the story to family friends on a boat ride down the Isis river in an attempt to entertain three young sisters. One of those girls was 10 year-old Alice Liddell, whom Carroll later confessed was his favorite of the three. Alice loved the fantastical tale so much that she begged him to write it down so it would not be forgotten. After much pestering, Carroll promised the young girl that the story would not be lost.

Nearly two and a half years later Carroll delivered the story to Miss Liddell handwritten in a green leather booklet filled with illustrations and presented as a Christmas gift in 1864.

CHECK Out: New Best-selling Book Designed to Put Children to Sleep in Minutes

It was through later encouragement from friends who also read the manuscript that Carroll set his mind to publishing the story.

Composed of twelve short chapters that read like individual episodes, the children’s book begins with seven year-old Alice, sitting with her sisters. After falling asleep, she enters “Wonderland” by falling down a rabbit hole. Alice encounters many strange animals that engage her in conversation. As she moves deeper into Wonderland she becomes more enchanted–and confused–by the inhabitants of the strange land, including the Queen of Hearts who invites her for a game of croquet during which the infamous Cheshire Cat appears. At the end of the novel, when she finds herself in trouble, she wakes up. Her adventures in Wonderland–and all the meaningful metaphors–were all a dream.

RELATED: Brand New Book by Dr. Seuss–Was Lost–Now Published 55 Years Later

Lewis Carroll was the pen name used by Charles Lutwidge Dodgson, a shy man with a stammer and a great reluctance to open his private life. Though he remained personally sequestered from the spotlight, he relished the job of marketing his well-loved children’s story in any way he could. Illustrations of his quirky characters were placed on everyday items for children to see, such as biscuit tins and postage stamp cases.

ALSO: Precious “Lost” Tolkien Story to be Published For the First Time

The book’s sequel, Through the Looking-Glass, which includes the poem Jabberwocky, was published six years later.

BBC Hits Scotland Streets to Ask a Thought-Provoking Question (WATCH)

 

BBC wandered the streets of Glasgow asking people left and right one thought-provoking question: if you could change one thing about your life, what would it be?

Endearing accents aside, their answers ranged from simple things like being a few inches taller or living somewhere warmer, to heart-wrenchingly deep, insightful answers – like owning a dragon as a pet.

However, beyond all the joking, it’s a sweet peek into the lives of average Scots going about their day. What would you change?

Ask Your Friends The Question, Click To Share – Story Tip by Liam Kay

Formerly Homeless, Man Celebrates 25th Birthday by Giving Back

young man gives hug food to homeless-KTVUvideo

He was homeless at the age of 16, but Rashawn Higgs has turned his life around.

On his 25th birthday, November 18, he loaded up a truck with $300 worth of clothing and coats from thrift stores, and packed dozens of bagged lunches– all on a mission to give back to the community he loves.

From the San Francisco area, Rashawn set up a Facebook page, called “Let’s help the world.”

(WATCH the video below from KTVU) – Image credit: KTVU video

Good News For Pregnant Women Who Love Drinking Coffee

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Women consuming moderate amounts of caffeine during pregnancy can be reassured that they are not harming their child’s brain or intelligence.

The study of more than 2000 pregnant women is one of the first to focus on how in-utero caffeine exposure affects a child’s future IQ and behavior later in childhood.

The findings from The Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s Hospital were published in the American Journal of Epidemiology.

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Researchers analyzed a marker of caffeine in the blood of 2,197 expectant mothers at multiple sites in the United States in 1959-1974. According to the researchers, this was an era when coffee consumption during pregnancy was more prevalent than today, as there was little concern regarding the safety of caffeine. Therefore, the study was able to investigate a broader range of caffeine intake than if a similar study was done today.

“Taken as a whole, we consider our results to be reassuring for pregnant women who consume moderate amounts of caffeine or the equivalent to 1 or 2 cups of coffee per day,” said Dr. Keim, who is also a faculty member at The Ohio State University College of Medicine.

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Researchers found there were no consistent patterns between maternal caffeine ingestion and child cognition or behavior at 4 or 7 years of age.

This study follows previous research regarding caffeine consumption during pregnancy conducted at The Research Institute involving the same group of women that found an increased ingestion of caffeine during pregnancy did not increase the risk of childhood obesity.

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