Opening up the day felling fit as a fiddle ...

Woman in her thirties posed as student at 3 different Boston high schools

A woman in her thirties posed as a student at three different Boston high schools during the 2022-23 school year, according to The Daily Beast — and police are investigating.
This is not the first incident of an older woman posing as a high school student this year.
Earlier this month, Louisiana authorities arrested 28-year-old Martha Jessenia Gutierrez Serrano and her mother, over an alleged scheme in which she attended a high school in St. Charles Parish, posing as a 17-year-old girl, apparently to learn English.
Woman in her thirties posed as student at 3 different Boston high schools: police

Convenience Store Clerk Asks Friend to Rob Store So He Can Go Home Early

Initially, the crime appeared to be straightforward. Police responded to a report of a robbery at a convenience store in Tulsa, Oklahoma. The clerk reported that a man had presented him with a written note that said, "Give me all your money or I will shoot you." The clerk complied. Police tracked down the suspected robber and arrested him.
That's when the situation became complicated.
The suspect confessed to the crime but said that a friend had set him up for the robbery. The police then talked to the friend, a young lady whom they arrested for an outstanding warrant. She said that one of her friends--the clerk at the convenience store--had asked her to rob the store because "he was tired and wanted to go home." She provided texts to prove her claim.
All three criminal masterminds were arrested. 

From Jungle Prison to Spaceport

The ESA spacecraft carrying the James Webb Space Telescope launched on Xmas morning 2021 from the Centre Spatial Guyanais in the city of Kourou in French Guiana. You may wonder what a European spaceport is doing in South America. The French space agency CNES was established in 1961 with a spaceport in Algeria, which was then part of the French empire. Algeria fought and won their independence in 1962, and the space agency had to start all over. They selected French Guiana because it was already a French territory and had good conditions for space launches. They built Kourou specifically for the space center, evicting around 600 villagers to do so.
But French Guiana, and particularly the Salvation Islands off its coast, has a sordid history. Until the mid-20th century, it was France's penal colony. After slavery was abolished in France, the country sent prisoners to South America to serve out their sentences- and to harvest crops and build infrastructure. Of the 80,000 or so prisoners sent to French Guiana, the majority never made it back to France even after their sentences were up. This was the setting of the book and movie Papillon. Read about the space center built overtop a notorious penal colony at Supercluster. 

Beer Goggles

This Is the World's Largest Kidney Stone

Have you ever wanted to be in the Guinness Book of World Records? Canistus Coonghe of Sri Lanka is. He's secured fame by growing the largest (by volume and weight) kidney stone in the world.
Are you jealous of Mr. Coonghe?
Doctors in Colombo surgically removed the kidney stone, which was larger than the actual kidney in which it previously resided. It measures over 5 by 4 inches across and weighs 1.76 pounds.
Mr. Coonghe's doctors reported that the rather stretched kidney had been working well prior to the operation. He's now recovering and, let us hope, taking joy in his fame. 

The Gruesome History Surrounding the Clown Motel

When you think of Nevada's Clown Motel, you think of it as one of the few surviving examples of American tourist kitsch. Or you may know its reputation for being haunted. How could you think otherwise, when you are surrounded by clowns? There are 2,000 of them in the lobby alone! But if you are staying overnight in the town of Tonopah, you won't have anything else to do but learn some of its history, and that can be rather frightening.
Tonopah was a silver mining boom town that sprung up out of nothing around 1900, with about 3,000 people. But in 1905, the miners began dying quickly and horrifically from a malady that made their necks swell up and their bodies turn black. This "Death Harvest" killed so many men that quite a few other miners fled the town. Then in 1911, a fire in the mine killed another 17 workers. One of them was Clarence David, who collected clowns. His children grew up and opened the Clown Motel in 1985. Tonopah's cemetery is right next to the Clown Motel, and holds around 300 graves dated between 1901 and 1911. Those buried there include victims of the Death Harvest, the mine fire, childhood disease, and murder. Read about the gruesome history of Tonopah and the Clown Hotel at New Lines Magazine. You can also listen to the article. -via Strange Company
PS: Chloe Moriondo's music video mentioned in the article is not out yet, but it will appear at her YouTube channel when it's available. 

The Real Life Inspiration for Disney's "The Princess and the Frog"

The 2009 Disney Princess movie The Princess and the Frog is loosely based on the Grimm's fairy tale The Frog Prince. But the character of Tiana, the "princess," was inspired by a real person. Disney wanted to place a fairy tale in the United States with a Black protagonist, and after a lot of changes to the project, focused on the real-life story of Leah Chase of New Orleans, “the Queen of Creole Cuisine.” The parts of the story that were not from The Frog Prince are Chase's.
According to Leah Chase's daughter Stella Chase, it was always her mother's dream to open a restaurant. She fell in love with a New Orleans musician whose parents owned a po-boy stand. They married, and Chase worked in the kitchen, honing the cooking skills she brought from her large family. When she and her husband Edgar inherited the restaurant, she expanded it and introduced an extensive menu of Creole cuisine. Now named Dooky Chase's Restaurant, the establishment became a meeting place and a refuge during the Civil Rights Movement. Read about Leah Chase and how her legacy figures into The Princess and the Frog at Gizmodo.

We do now ...

 

Did You Know Medieval Castles Had These Ingenious Features?

With their jagged stone walls, medieval castles are surprisingly more intimidating than they seem. Behind the scary exterior, there are some impressive architectural feats that, without knowing about them, you'd likely not notice. Epic castle features like arrow slits and hidden drawbridges improved security. Subtle details to help the knights protect the castle were also thought of. The multiple ways to protect the castle show the brilliance of medieval architecture.

Did You Know Medieval Castles Had These Ingenious Features?

How to Eat Like a Viking

If you were to go by pop culture versions of Viking feasts, a meal would be laden with whole animals roasted over a spit, accompanied by plenty of alcoholic beverages. While that may be appropriate for a celebratory dinner after a successful pillaging, it's not what most people of the Viking era ate. Daniel Serra is the world's foremost expert on Viking cuisine, and has published a cookbook of Viking recipes. He also gives demonstrations of historic cooking in recreated Viking villages in Scandinavia. But how do you recreate meals from a culture that didn't write anything down?
Serra studies a combination of sources, such as archaeological digs, mentions of food in orally-preserved Viking sagas, and extrapolating back from later written recipes. He cross-references his findings with the science of what the area was like in the Viking age, what resources were available, and what the culture was like. Then he tests his recipes and cooking methods to see if they work.
Serra describes the everyday "comfort foods" that Viking communities would produce, and even shares a recipe for Traveller's Fish Porridge at BBC's World's Table.

The Physics of Peanuts Dancing in Beer

Luiz Pereira, a physicist at the Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, and his colleagues recently published the results of their study of why peanuts move up and down inside beer.
Placing peanuts inside beer is apparently a custom in Argentina, so generations of drinkers have noticed that peanuts tend to move up and down repeatedly. Why? If I understand the article correctly, it is because during their descent into the beer, air bubbles within the liquid attach to the peanuts, causing them to become buoyant. When the peanuts arrive at the surface of the beer, the bubbles pop and the peanuts lose their buoyancy. 

The Physics of Peanuts Dancing in Beer

Cougar in area ...

What to Do If You Become a Victim of 'Sextortion'

If you’re reading this, odds are you’ve sent a nude or suggestive photo to someone at some point in your life—and you wouldn’t be alone. A third of Americans have shared a nude photo, an intimacy expert and certified sexologist told the New York Post. In fact, they send 1.8 million nudes per day (20 per second), according to a survey from Bad Girls Bible. That gives scammers a lot of people they can easily blackmail, whether they actually have your nudes or not.
There are two types of nudes scammers: One throws a wide net to see who they get, and the other is more deliberate and personal. The former plays a numbers game; they know a third of Americans have nudes circulating somewhere, so they use that to their advantage by threatening to “release” their nudes to their friends and family unless they get paid (also known as sextortion). The latter actually has your nudes, and wants money in return for not sending them to your friends and family.
What to Do If You Become a Victim of 'Sextortion'

Lunatic Fringe Wingnut Extremist Andrew Tate Indicted For Rape, Human Trafficking

Lunatic fringe wingnut misogynist extremist Andrew Tate and his brother have been indicted in Romania on charges of human trafficking, rape and forming an organized crime group, prosecutors said Tuesday.
Extremist Andrew Tate Indicted For Rape, Human Trafficking

Defiant to Reality

Undress For Re-entry

In space, no one can hear Miss Rumplon scream in ecstasy, right?

This British comic postcard is by the artist “Quip” and probably dates to the 1960s or 1970s.

Considering Swingning

EXPLORE COMMONLY ASKED QUESTIONS FOR NEWBIES
Entering into the world of swinging certainly brings about a number of questions that curious couples want to know. Because communication is key—especially for lifestyle newbies—we’ve compiled some of the most common questions asked by those considering the swinger scene.
Q: How do vanilla couples first bring up the conversation about being swingers?
A: In general, those who ultimately become swinger couples have had an interest in exploring the scene before the conversation even begins. However, one partner tends to bring up the topic in a loving and honest way. If both parties are on board, let the good times begin!
Q: How do new lifestyle couples find other swingers?
A: There are many swinger websites dedicated to connecting potential playmates. Some people attend parties, events or swingers cruises or bars to meet like-minded lifestyle couples.
Q: At swinging parties, will I most often see the same people or new faces?
A: Most swingers environments tend to have a mix of newcomers and familiar faces, so the selection of partners remains broad for those looking to keep things interesting. Test out a few places and events to see what suits your fancy the most.
Q: Is there any usually jealousy at swingers parties and events?
A: While most lifestyle couples have a strong relationship and set boundaries concerning behavior related to swinging activities, jealousy can rear its head every once and awhile at gatherings with unfamiliar possible playmates.
Usually, when the green-eyed monster makes its presence known, it is caused by insecurity and should be discussed by the partners experiencing jealousy. The best way to handle this reaction is to cease participation in such engagements to prevent the situation from becoming explosive and have that talk ASAP.
Q: How often do swingers ‘play’ versus being intimate with their primary partner?
A: Honestly, this can vary from couple to couple. Some only dabble with others on occasion, while others may participate much more. Long-time swingers claim that there are ‘on’ months and ‘off’ months. Most importantly, couples need to set their own rules about frequency of playtime with others to find out what works best for their relationship and time availability.
Q: What is the sex life of most swinger couples with their primary partner?
A: Most swinger couples have what is considered a routinely ‘normal’ sex life when they’re not engaging at parties or meeting with others in the lifestyle. Many keep their relationships strong and trusting with special weekly ‘dates’ just between themselves to keep the fire burning at home, as well.
Use Resources to Get More Information for Newbies
In closing, there are plenty of resources that can answer all of your questions about swinger couples and what to expect. Books, podcasts, and online blogs are excellent places to discover information before moving into swinging.

Life-Saving Sex Tips for People in Long-Distance Relationships

Adding some creativity into your sexual repertoire can go a long way in terms of staying hot for each other - even when you're miles apart.
The internet has made it easier than ever to connect with someone thousands of miles away. In fact, statistically speaking, your soulmate is probably more likely to live hundreds of miles away from you than in the same metropolis!
(That holds true for me too! Every person I've dated - except one - is someone I've met online from a different location.)
While this greater flexibility means that you're more likely to find an amazing person that you mesh with, it also comes with some challenges. After all, living in separate locations means it's difficult to meet up for in-person interactions. As we all know, a tactile hug where you can feel another person's warmth tends to feel a bit better than someone texting "Hug" - even if both activities have the same positive intention.
Luckily for all of us, technology makes the distance a bit easier to bear. Between video chats, screen sharing, synchronized toys, texting, calling, and easily-accessible ways to share photos and videos, we can keep in contact with one another over long distances much better than couples 20 years ago could do.
Still, keeping the sexual part of your long-distance relationship from feeling a bit stale can take a bit of trial and error. There's only so many times you can have phone sex before you start to feel like you're revisiting the same ideas over and over. (But hey, if that's working for you, please continue doing it! I'm only here to provide additional options - which is probably why you're here too!)
So let's dive into it. Here are life-saving sex tips for people in long-distance relationships ...
10 Life-Saving Sex Tips for People in Long-Distance Relationships

Service Request

'Victory' as federal judge blocks Arkansas gender-affirming care ban

Human rights defenders on Tuesday welcomed a ruling by a federal judge in Arkansas overturning that state's law banning gender-affirming healthcare for children and teenagers, the first time such a prohibition has been struck down in the United States.
"This decision sends a clear message. Fear-mongering and misinformation about this health care do not hold up to scrutiny; it hurts trans youth and must end," ACLU of Arkansas executive director said Holly Dickson in a statement. "Science, medicine, and law are clear: gender-affirming care is necessary to ensure these young Arkansans can thrive and be healthy."
'Victory' as federal judge blocks Arkansas gender-affirming care ban

Understanding the Evolving Nature of Sexuality

Pride month is here. Pride parades, which are celebrated in most of parts of the world, give people in the LGBTQ+ community an opportunity to be seen and heard. They help sexual minority groups, which have historically been repressed, advocate for their rights.
However, at no other time in history has the “grouping” of sexual minorities been less understood by the general public. While some folks still put themselves into specific categories like straight or gay, more and more people feel less inclined to do so, opting instead to classify themselves as “fluid” across one or more sexual domains. So, what exactly does sexual fluidity mean and how does it fit into someone’s sexual identity? 
Understanding the Evolving Nature of Sexuality

Chamomile Aids Older Women Both Sexually and Emotionally

In the classic children’s story, “The Tale of Peter Rabbit,” the naïve young bunny eats himself sick in Mr. McGregor’s garden, then gets chased out at the wrong end of the angry farmer’s hoe. When Peter gets home, his mother serves him chamomile tea.
Peter’s mother was a wise herbalist. Since ancient times, both German/Hungarian chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla) and the Roman/English variety (Anthemis nobilis) have been used to soothe jangled nerves and treat indigestion. They still are. Good research shows that chamomile is a minor tranquilizer and stomach soother. That’s why it’s often included in teas recommended for inducing sleep, and for soothing anxiety and intestinal distress. 
Chamomile Aids Older Women Both Sexually and Emotionally

Is Sex Better When It’s Spontaneous or Planned?

It happened right after breakfast on Saturday morning for Abbie and Brian. As they were carrying the dishes to the sink, Brian’s hand brushed against Abbie’s bare arm. She looked up at him and smiled, so he kissed her, and she threw her arms around him. Before they knew it, they were in the bedroom.
Yolanda and Zachary had it carefully planned for Saturday morning. The kids were at soccer practice for the next couple of hours. Zachary had done the dishes and laundry that morning so Yolanda could have some time for herself. They quickly groomed themselves and then met in the bedroom.
So, which couple had better sex? Do you think Abbie and Brian’s spontaneous sexual encounter was more satisfying? Or was the planned lovemaking of Yolanda and Zachary more meaningful?
Is Sex Better When It’s Spontaneous or Planned?

At the end of the day it is time to relax ...

Opening the day wide and airy ...

What is the Rarest Eye Color, and Why?

From the rare gene combinations that bestow this captivating hue to the historical and cultural significance tied to these mesmerizing eyes, we invite you to delve into the world of green eyes and discover the remarkable beauty that lies within this extraordinary eye color.

What is the Rarest Eye Color, and Why?

Berberine Is Called 'Nature's Ozempic'

You may already take multivitamins and know how important having enough of certain vitamins and minerals (you know, like vitamin D, iron, and zinc) is for your health. But once in a while, you may come across one whose health benefits you’re a little hazy on, like a buzzy supplement that's been all over social media recently: berberine, a botanical compound that has recently been dubbed "nature's Ozempic" for its supposed weight loss benefits on TikTok. If you're a little clueless when it comes to berberine's health benefits (plus, what it even is, and if it *actually* helps with weight loss), you are not alone.

Berberine Is Called 'Nature's Ozempic'—Here Are Its Actual Health Benefits

Do you get a jolt right before you fall asleep?

Goosebumps and other bodily reactions, explained
The human body is full of all kinds of quirks. It makes confusing sounds seemingly out of nowhere. It jerks and jolts right before falling asleep or as the temperature changes. It yawns merely by reading the word "yawn" or seeing someone else do it.
These reflexes and involuntary responses reveal how little control people have over the way their bodies function. Understanding why some of these bodily reactions occur can give clues about things the body may need at a moment in time. For example, an athlete might get a cramp on the side of their ribs on a long jog when they're fatigued. The body is telling them to reduce the intensity of their physical activity.
Other reactions offer insights into how humans have evolved to survive in many environments throughout history. The body shivers to keep warm in cold weather. Fingers and toes get wrinkly in aquatic environments to help people grip tools without slipping. Environmentally stimulated responses like these show just how dynamic and versatile the human body is for living in the Earth's many climates.
But despite knowing what's behind some of the quirks of the human body, biologists are still trying to figure out the explanations for other phenomena. Why do goosebumps cover people's skin when they're scared? Why do eyelids twitch randomly and uncontrollably? Why does the sun make some people sneeze? Sometimes it feels like there are more questions than answers for how the body works.
Stacker compiled a list of 15 strange bodily reactions and looked at news articles, government reports, and scientific research to understand the biology behind these phenomena. Read on to learn the explanations for the peculiarities of the human body and get the answers to some reactions you may have always been curious about.
Do you get a jolt right before you fall asleep? Here's the reason behind it and other strange bodily reactions.

Famous people who were diagnosed with schizophrenia

Nearly 24 million people around the world live with a schizophrenic disorder, making up about 0.32% of the population. Thankfully, that makes schizophrenia one of the rarer mental disorders affecting people today, but it is still a daily struggle for those who bear its weight. Even today the disorder is poorly understood, and the exact causes of schizophrenia are still unknown. There is also no surefire cure for schizophrenia, although developments in antipsychotic drugs have started to provide a degree of solace for some schizophrenics. With no cures or preventions yet available, this means people from all classes and walks of life can struggle with this little-understood illness, even the great geniuses and artists of recent history.
Read on to find out more about some of the world's famous figures who have lived with schizophrenia.
Famous people who were diagnosed with schizophrenia