Wednesday, June 21, 2023
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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'
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
Extremist Andrew Tate Indicted For Rape, Human Trafficking
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.
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
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
'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
"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
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
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?
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?
Tuesday, June 20, 2023
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.
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
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
Failure to Adopt These 12 Daily Habits Will Leave Your Life Incomplete
Did you know that every time you perform a daily habit, you reinforce a neural pathway in your brain? It’s like building a superhighway to success! And the best part is that you don’t need to make monumental changes to see results. Just a few consistent daily habits can transform your life.
Failure to Adopt These 12 Daily Habits Will Leave Your Life Incomplete
From Murphy's to the Pareto: Famous 'laws' that are not on the books but rule the world
You've probably heard about Murphy's law, but what about other eponymous laws? An eponymous law is a principle or rule named after a particular person. Sometimes named after the individual who coined the law, in other cases it was named after the work or publication of an individual. They often have a backstory of great significance.
From Murphy's law to the Pareto principle, let's check out some notable eponymous laws that rule the world in this post!
From Murphy's to the Pareto: Famous 'laws' that are not on the books but rule the world
From Murphy's law to the Pareto principle, let's check out some notable eponymous laws that rule the world in this post!
From Murphy's to the Pareto: Famous 'laws' that are not on the books but rule the world
Old Wives’ Tales That Are Actually Rooted in Truth
Wives really could gab if the number of old wives' tales is anything to go off of. Old wives' tales are superstitious sayings and beliefs that people of the past used in lieu of research-based facts. With technology as developed as it is, we've actually been able to put some of these old wives' tales to the test. And shockingly, a number of them turned out to be true.
9 Old Wives’ Tales That Are Actually Rooted in Truth
"You Had Me at Hello But Lost Me At…"
On a first date, what you say can create sparks or splash cold water on the flame. Certain phrases can make a lady feel uncomfortable or uninterested. Here are 18 phrases that women wish they could delete from first-date conversations
"You Had Me at Hello But Lost Me At…": 18 First Date Phrases Women NEVER Want To Hear
Bubble Tent Camping
A long while ago I wrote an article on kinky or (highly passionate) hotel destinations. And while most were in places you would expect (like Amsterdam), there was one interesting one I finally got to try for myself. It was a bubble tent campground in the north of Spain. Here were my experiences and thoughts so you can decide if it’s the kind of place you want to go to experience a wonderful new kind of romance and passion.
Bubble Tent Camping – If You Want To Be An Exhibitionist … But Not
Bubble Tent Camping – If You Want To Be An Exhibitionist … But Not
Strange myths and mystical beliefs about periods
Even today, many menstruating people still feel uneasy speaking about their period openly. This age-old taboo about menstruation—something about half the world’s population experiences once a month—is not only mind-boggling, but has also made space for various myths and mystical beliefs to take shape, stretching from ancient to even modern times. If you consider that scientists only started credibly studying the menstrual cycle in the 1930s, it's no surprise that we still have much to learn.
From a gift of the gods to a punishment for sins, and all the charming magic in between, click through to see what myths and mystical beliefs there have been about menstruation.
Strange myths and mystical beliefs about periods
From a gift of the gods to a punishment for sins, and all the charming magic in between, click through to see what myths and mystical beliefs there have been about menstruation.
Strange myths and mystical beliefs about periods
Bizarre 19th-century advice for girls
The 19th century sure had its peculiarities. Babies were kept out of windows in cages, doctors were prescribing cocaine and opium to patients, and people were wearing arsenic-laced clothes. So, can it get even weirder? That's up for you to decide. Before women's magazines and endless sources of online advice, there were a few books on the matter. In this gallery, we look at the specific advice from Dr. John Harvey Kellogg (yes, you recognize the surname).
Bizarre 19th-century advice for girls
Weird Beauty Tips You'd Get During The Middle Ages
Want to know what it took to look your best in medieval times? It might shock you to learn that past beauty regimens involved some downright disgusting practices, such as coating yourself in pig’s fat and using mouse fur!
Learn more about these bizarre beauty secrets and find out why people thought they worked.
Weird Beauty Tips You'd Get During The Middle Ages
Learn more about these bizarre beauty secrets and find out why people thought they worked.
Weird Beauty Tips You'd Get During The Middle Ages
Wednesday, June 14, 2023
Pride Safety 101: How to Stay Safe While Celebrating
With queerphobia growing in the U.S., Pride is a time to stay safe as much as it is to celebrate.
Like any other large parade or festival, the likelihood of something terrible happening a Pride parade is pretty low. That said, from 2020 to 2021, reported hate crimes in the U.S. rose by more than 11%, according to data collected by the FBI. LGBTQ+ people saw some of the highest increases, making up nearly half of all reported incidences.
"Queerphobia is unfortunately on the rise, particularly for people who appear more outwardly queer or trans," says Jaron Soh, the openly gay co-founder & CEO of Voda, the LGBTQIA+ mental wellness app developed with leading LGBTQIA+ psychotherapists. "However, Pride Month is a time for us to express our authentic selves, and we shouldn't have to repress ourselves due to fear and queerphobia."
In 2023, the LGBTQ+ community, especially the transgender community, is being systematically attacked with anti-LGBTQ+ bills. As we celebrate, we must remember that there is still much work to be done. Part of that work means keeping ourselves and others out of harm's way. Here are 13 tips for staying safe during Pride.
Pride Safety 101: How to Stay Safe While Celebrating
"Queerphobia is unfortunately on the rise, particularly for people who appear more outwardly queer or trans," says Jaron Soh, the openly gay co-founder & CEO of Voda, the LGBTQIA+ mental wellness app developed with leading LGBTQIA+ psychotherapists. "However, Pride Month is a time for us to express our authentic selves, and we shouldn't have to repress ourselves due to fear and queerphobia."
In 2023, the LGBTQ+ community, especially the transgender community, is being systematically attacked with anti-LGBTQ+ bills. As we celebrate, we must remember that there is still much work to be done. Part of that work means keeping ourselves and others out of harm's way. Here are 13 tips for staying safe during Pride.
Pride Safety 101: How to Stay Safe While Celebrating
Pride Hits Different When Your Relationship Doesn't 'Look Queer'
When I go out with my husband and son, the vast majority of people see a "normal" cishet family. At first glance, our marriage doesn't look queer. Some might wonder why my husband is with such an apparently butch woman or why an apparently butch woman like me is married to a cishet dude instead of a woman; very few people, if any, would peg our marriage as queer.
But it is. I am not, in fact, a butch woman, and neither one of us is hetero.
About a year ago, I came out as non-binary, and as I continued to explore my gender identity, I eventually understood that I'm transmasc. Not a trans man, but more masculine than feminine, though neither masculine nor feminine fits me, really.
Pride Hits Different When Your Relationship Doesn't 'Look Queer'
But it is. I am not, in fact, a butch woman, and neither one of us is hetero.
About a year ago, I came out as non-binary, and as I continued to explore my gender identity, I eventually understood that I'm transmasc. Not a trans man, but more masculine than feminine, though neither masculine nor feminine fits me, really.
Pride Hits Different When Your Relationship Doesn't 'Look Queer'
Couples Caught Having Sex In Museum
As much as we try to keep our personal lives away from prying eyes, sometimes things slip out of our control – especially in “triggering places”. That was the case for a couple caught having sex in a military museum in Poland. The museum’s management and the public’s reaction to the incident have been nothing short of a hilarious mixture of reactions.
Are Kinks Hereditary?
Sexual preferences and desires have long been a controversial topic. But, recently there has been a viral conversation (sparked by a TikTok video) about a very specific aspect of sexuality – are kinks hereditary? This has led to an avalanche in Google searches and discussions on every social media platform you can think of.
In this blog post, we will explore what started this conversation, what people are chiming in with, the latest scientific research on the topic, and what the experts are saying. So, buckle up and get ready to delve into the world of kinks and fetishes.
Are Kinks Hereditary? Unpacking Genetics and Fetishes
In this blog post, we will explore what started this conversation, what people are chiming in with, the latest scientific research on the topic, and what the experts are saying. So, buckle up and get ready to delve into the world of kinks and fetishes.
Are Kinks Hereditary? Unpacking Genetics and Fetishes
Double the O, Double the Pleasure
How to Have Blended & Multiple Orgasms
Dr. Emily tells us:
I have a “more is more” mentality around orgasm. You too?
There are all kinds of documented health benefits that come with orgasm, like lower stress, better sleep, increased immunity, and get this…glowing skin. Maybe they’re born with it! Maybe they masturbate.
There are two ways to have many orgasms in a single session…
Multiple orgasms: when orgasms happen one after the other.
So let’s get hedonistic, shall we? Here’s how to try blended orgasms, according to your genitals.
If you have a vulva…
If you have a penis…
Dr. Emily tells us:
I have a “more is more” mentality around orgasm. You too?
There are all kinds of documented health benefits that come with orgasm, like lower stress, better sleep, increased immunity, and get this…glowing skin. Maybe they’re born with it! Maybe they masturbate.
There are two ways to have many orgasms in a single session…
Multiple orgasms: when orgasms happen one after the other.
- Vulva owners have no refractory period (aka, necessary downtime between orgasms), and can experience these in quick succession.
- Penis owners have a longer refractory period: anywhere from 30 minutes to 24 hours.
- Vulva owners can experience a clitoral orgasm and a G-spot orgasm.
- Penis owners can experience a penile orgasm and a prostate orgasm.
So let’s get hedonistic, shall we? Here’s how to try blended orgasms, according to your genitals.
If you have a vulva…
- Prepare for long, luxurious solo sex: we’re going to be here a minute, since internal nerve endings take a minute to wake up.
- Assemble your tools: in my experience, a dual stimulator is best for this type of masturbation. LELO makes one called the Enigma Cruise, which features Cruise Control technology that ensures no drop in intensity when it presses against the body for an intense, deep release. It has both a sonic wave stimulator for the clitoris, and an internal stimulator for the G-spot. And not one, not two, but EIGHT different settings varying from a teasing murmur to a satisfying pulse. Think oral sex and penetration simultaneously, like a skilled lover going down on you, who knows exactly when to add a finger.
- Do some kegels right now. Literally while reading this article. Every orgasm is more powerful when you’ve got a toned pelvic floor. Here’s a refresher on how to do them, and disclaimer: if you have vaginismus, kegels are not the move. Visit a pelvic floor physical therapist!
- Have a clitoris orgasm first, before you insert anything. This engorges your genitals with blood, which makes internal nerve endings more sensitive.
- Remember: you don’t have a refractory period! Aren’t you lucky. That said, you can numb out your nerve endings, so avoid the temptation to give yourself clitoral orgasm after clitoral orgasm. Tough I know.
- Mindfully insert your toy, using lots of lube. Your chance of orgasm goes exponentially up with lube in the picture. Try a CBD-based one, since it’s a vasodilator and increases localized blood flow. I’m very into Morgasm, a lube that doubles as an arousal gel, and has a reputation for creating stronger O’s.
- Edge – a lot. It’s very likely that even with a toy inserted, you’ll have a clitoral orgasm again. Understandable: the clitoris itself is external, so nerve endings are much easier to stimulate. But the G-spot is actually part of the clitoral network, so it’s not a separate entity – just a region that takes more time to stimulate, since the nerve endings are tucked deep inside. If you feel another clitoris orgasm coming on, but nothing’s happening on the inside quite yet, edge! I’ve got a free guide for that, and listen – it’s not the end of the world if you do have a clitoris orgasm. The orgasm police aren’t coming. You’ll just up your chances of a blended orgasm if you hold off.
- Pulse the toy against your G-spot. While the toy is vibrating, that is. If you feel an internal orgasm coming on, great news: you’re pretty much bound to have a clitoral orgasm, too.
If you have a penis…
- Prepare for anal play: it’s happening! But we’re going to do it via solo sex.
- Assemble your tools: look for a prostate massager with benefits. I like the We-Vibe Vector (right here on GoodVibes), which vibrates right on the prostate, and has a special external arm to stimulate the nerve ending-rich perineum.
- Grab the lube: you’re gonna need it.
- Do masturbate, but don’t finish yet. The cool thing about prostate orgasms is you don’t have to be hard to have one. But you’re after a blended orgasm, my friend! So get your genitals engorged by masturbating – just don’t climax.
- Once you’re erect, mindfully insert your prostate massager. Use lots of lube, go very slowly, and choose your position. Sitting on the toy is nice – this puts pressure on your perineum, which can feel really good. Or, if you prefer to be completely relaxed, which is helpful if you’re new-ish to anal, lying on your side or back works too.
- Turn on the vibration at a low setting. If you go too high all at once, your sphincter muscles will clench. That’s not what we want. Start gently, and as your body acclimates to the sensation, you can go higher.
- If it’s your first time, chances are good you’ll come before the prostate orgasm itself. It’s a really, really sensitive gland, and you’ll feel very stimulated in the moment. If that happens: all good! Try again later, and remember to edge.
- If you feel a prostate orgasm coming on, masturbate. As in, use your hand on your penis. The holy grail of this experience is prostate orgasm, plus penile orgasm (where you come) all at once. If you do it, amazing! If not, totally OK: you’re learning how to relax into anal stimulation, and this can take some time.
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