Month: December 2024

Bob was notorious for his love of late-night revelry, and one fateful evening was no exception. After stumbling into bed, he drifted off to sleep, unaware of the surreal events that were about to unfold. As the first light of dawn crept in, Bob found himself standing before the iconic Pearly Gates, bewildered and disoriented. “Is this some kind of dream?” Bob wondered aloud, his voice laced with confusion. St. Peter, warmly greeting him with a clipboard in hand, shattered any illusions Bob may have had. “Bob, I’m afraid you passed away in your sleep,” he announced with a sympathetic tone. Bob’s jaw dropped in stunned disbelief. “This can’t be! I’m not ready to leave. I’ve got so much living to do!” he protested. St. Peter, empathizing with Bob’s plight, offered an unconventional solution. “There is one way you can return to the world of the living, but it comes with a unique condition – you’ll have to come back as a chicken.” Desperate to regain his mortality, Bob hesitantly agreed to St. Peter’s proposal. Before he could reconsider, he was instantly transported to a nearby farm, where he found himself covered in feathers and clucking involuntarily. Bob’s unforgettable adventure had only just begun, and he was about to discover that being a chicken wasn’t all it was cracked up to be.

1. The Empath’s Natural Draw to Healing Empaths are deeply compassionate individuals who instinctively seek to heal others. When they encounter a narcissist, their innate desire to fix and nurture is triggered. The narcissist, who often masks their vulnerabilities, appeals to the empath’s healing tendencies, creating a bond that feels fulfilling at first. However, over time, this dynamic can drain the empath as they pour their energy into someone who may never truly appreciate their efforts. Recognizing this pattern is vital for empaths to protect their well-being.    2. The Narcissist’s Need for Control Narcissists thrive on power and control, often using manipulation to maintain dominance in relationships. With empaths, they exploit their partner’s kindness and willingness to sacrifice, creating an imbalance where the narcissist benefits while the empath gives endlessly. This power dynamic reinforces the narcissist’s ego and leaves the empath feeling depleted. Understanding this imbalance can help empaths reclaim their autonomy and set necessary boundaries. 3. Emotional Intensity and Drama The relationship between an empath and a narcissist is often marked by emotional highs and lows. Narcissists are experts at creating drama, keeping their partner emotionally invested and off balance. For an empath, who feels emotions deeply, this rollercoaster can be overwhelming and exhausting. Recognizing the narcissist’s tactics and choosing stability over chaos is a critical step toward healthier relationships. 4. The Empath’s Struggle to Let Go Empaths often see the potential for good in everyone, including narcissists. This optimism, while admirable, can trap them in toxic cycles, as they hold on to the hope that their love will inspire change. Unfortunately, narcissists rarely acknowledge their flaws or make genuine efforts to improve. Learning to accept the reality of the situation and walk away when necessary is a powerful act of self-preservation for empaths. 5. Gaslighting and Self-Doubt Narcissists often use gaslighting to undermine their partner’s confidence and perception of reality. This tactic is particularly harmful to empaths, who already tend to question themselves. Over time, the empath may lose trust in their intuition and feel trapped in a web of self-doubt. Recognizing gaslighting behaviors and seeking external support can help empaths regain clarity and confidence. 6. The Empath’s Journey of Self-Awareness A relationship with a narcissist can be a turning point for empaths, pushing them to confront their own patterns and boundaries. While painful, this journey often leads to profound self-awareness and growth. By understanding their tendencies to overgive and neglect their own needs, empaths can learn to prioritize themselves and cultivate healthier connections in the future. 7. The Narcissist’s Fear of Vulnerability Narcissists often fear genuine intimacy and vulnerability, despite their outward confidence. They may push empaths away emotionally or create conflicts to avoid exposing their insecurities. For empaths, who crave deep emotional connections, this behavior can be deeply confusing and hurtful. Recognizing this fear in narcissists can help empaths avoid taking their partner’s actions personally and focus on building relationships with emotionally available individuals. 8. The Empath’s Power to Break Free Despite the challenges, empaths have the inner strength to break free from toxic relationships. This process involves acknowledging the unhealthy dynamic, setting firm boundaries, and prioritizing self-care. While it may take time, empaths can heal and emerge stronger, using their experiences to build more balanced and fulfilling relationships in the future. 9. The Narcissist’s Reluctance to Change Narcissists rarely recognize their destructive behaviors or seek to change, as their ego prevents them from admitting fault. For empaths, this lack of accountability can be frustrating and disheartening. Accepting that the narcissist is unlikely to change allows empaths to shift their focus toward their own growth and happiness. 10. The Transformative Lessons of the Relationship While the empath-narcissist relationship is challenging, it often serves as a powerful learning experience. Empaths discover the importance of self-love, boundaries, and emotional independence, while narcissists may be confronted with their own limitations. Ultimately, this dynamic can be a catalyst for personal transformation, helping both individuals grow in their own ways.

Young people don’t worry about their health the same way older individuals do. Of course, many Gen Zers and Millenials do prioritize their physical and mental wellbeing. But they are young, while the risk of life-changing conditions like heart disease, diabetes, chronic pain, and cancer increases with age. However, research shows that Gen Z and Millenials are not as safe as once thought. The number of cases of colon cancer has doubled in the United States since the 1990s. Especially in the age 20 to 49 demographic. The silent killer Colon cancer is also known as colorectal cancer, bowel cancer, or rectal cancer — depending on where the tumor begins. It’s also called the silent killer because there may be few or zero warning signs. And once the symptoms finally appear, the cancer has already progressed. Colon cancer in young people According to the Colon Cancer Coalition (CCC), colorectal cancer is the fourth most commonly diagnosed cancer, and the second leading cause of death due to cancer. Moreover, 30% of its diagnoses are for individuals under the age of 55. This has made it the leading cause of cancer death for men and the second leading for women under the age of 50. The CCC website states: “People born after 1990 have 2 times the risk of developing colon cancer and 4 times the risk of developing rectal cancer than those born in 1950.” Furthermore, “there will be about 18,000 cases of colorectal cancer diagnosed in people under 50” every year. That’s the equivalent of 49 new cases each day. What’s causing the rise of colon cancer? Source: Shutterstock A European study from the journal Annals of Oncology examined the rising rates of colon cancer among young people to find out why this is happening. The research was led by Carlo La Vecchia (MD), Professor of Medical Statistics and Epidemiology at the University of Milan. “Key factors that contribute to the rise in bowel cancer rates among young people include overweight, obesity, and related health conditions, such as high blood sugar levels and diabetes,” said La Vecchia in a press release. He also mentioned increased heavier alcohol consumptions, as well as reduced physical activity. Family history Meanwhile, the highest known risk factor for colon cancer is family history. People with immediate family members with it have double or triple the risk of developing it compared to those without this family history. Therefore, experts recommend those with family history to begin screening earlier than most, especially if the affected relative was diagnosed at a younger age. Survival rates Source: Shutterstock According to the CCC, the five-year relative survival rate for stage 1 and stage 2 colon cancer is 90%. Stage 3 is 71% and stage 4 is 14%. To make matters worse, younger people are more likely to receive their diagnosis with late-stage cancer because they are too young to be recommended for routine screenings. Remember, this disease often comes with no warning signs. Even the ones who do experience symptoms are likely to suffer for months before receiving the proper diagnosis. Misdiagnosis can lead to delayed treatment. Keep in mind, colon cancer typically develops over the span of a decade. Symptoms Symptoms of cancer can vary depending on the growth’s origin among other factors. But people should seek medical attention if they’re experiencing the following: Rectal bleeding, bloody stool, or blood in the toilet after a bowel movement Persistent diarrhea or constipation Low energy or tiredness Unexplained weight loss Feeling “full” too early in a meal Unusual stools, such as dark-colored stools or ribbon-thin stools Advocate for yourself Source: Shutterstock “If anyone has any change in their bowel habits, if they have any bleeding—even if they think it’s a hemorrhoid, and it doesn’t go away—just get a colonoscopy,” said Vikram Reddy, MD, PHD, colorectal surgeon, to Yale Medicine. Don’t be afraid to seek a second opinion if you feel like your doctor isn’t taking your concerns seriously. Colon cancer prevention Source: Shutterstock Screening generally begins at age 45 for people with no family history. Some tests can be done at home. Anyone can reduce their overall risk by quitting smoking, limiting processed and red meat, exercising regularly, eating a healthy diet rich in fiber, and maintaining a healthy weight. Help your body thrive Source: Shutterstock One way to improve one’s diet is by replacing ultra-processed food with high-fiber foods. “When it comes to protecting against colorectal cancer, it’s not just about avoiding the bad stuff—it’s also about doubling down on what actively helps your body thrive,” said Tim Spector, a British epidemiologist, doctor, and scientific co-founder of health company ZOE. “Fiber does far more than just help with digestion; it regulates bowel movements and reduces the time harmful substances are in contact with the colon,” Spector said to Newsweek. “That’s crucial, because anything that lowers the odds of toxins building up in the gut is going to help reduce cancer risk. Think of fiber as a kind of cleanup crew for your colon.” Read More: People Warned Over ‘Silent Stokes’ as Five Signs Could Mean You’re Having One Without Realizing

Selenium is an essential trace mineral, meaning the body only needs small amounts of it to function properly. Despite its modest requirements, selenium is critical for a variety of vital processes that support overall health and well-being. Key Functions of Selenium 1. Powerful Antioxidant Selenium acts as a powerful antioxidant, neutralizing free radicals—unstable molecules that can damage cells and contribute to chronic diseases, inflammation, and premature aging. By protecting cells from oxidative stress, selenium helps maintain healthy skin, organs, and tissues. 2. Supports Skin Health Selenium is especially beneficial for skin health. Its antioxidant properties help prevent and repair damage caused by UV rays and environmental pollutants, reducing the risk of premature aging, dryness, and skin irritation. 3. Boosts the Immune System This mineral enhances the body’s natural defenses by supporting the immune system. Selenium plays a role in the production and activation of immune cells, helping the body fight off infections and illnesses more effectively. 4. Thyroid Hormone Regulation Selenium is essential for the proper functioning of the thyroid gland. It helps regulate thyroid hormones by facilitating the conversion of thyroxine (T4) into the active form, triiodothyronine (T3), which is critical for metabolism, energy production, and hormonal balance. Selenium-Rich Foods Incorporating selenium-rich foods into your diet is the best way to meet your daily requirements. Here are some excellent sources: Brazil nuts: One of the most concentrated sources of selenium. Just 1-2 nuts can provide the daily recommended intake. Seafood: Tuna, salmon, and sardines are rich in selenium. Meat and Poultry: Beef, chicken, and turkey contain significant amounts. Eggs: A convenient and versatile source of selenium. Whole grains and seeds: Foods like sunflower seeds, brown rice, and oats also contain selenium. Recommended Daily Intake The recommended daily intake of selenium varies by age and gender: Adults: About 55 micrograms per day Pregnant women: 60 micrograms per day Breastfeeding women: 70 micrograms per day It’s important not to exceed the safe upper limit of 400 micrograms per day, as too much selenium can lead to toxicity and adverse effects. Why Selenium Matters Selenium is a small but mighty nutrient that plays a big role in maintaining your health. From glowing, youthful skin to a robust immune system and balanced thyroid function, selenium’s benefits are extensive. Ensuring you get enough through your diet or supplements can make a significant difference in your overall well-being.

When a man scratches a woman’s palm during a handshake or a touch, it can have different meanings depending on the context and cultural background. Generally, this gesture is considered a nonverbal form of communication, and its interpretation can vary: Possible Interpretations: Flirting or Romantic Interest: In some social or cultural contexts, scratching the palm of someone’s hand can be a subtle, playful gesture indicating romantic or sexual interest. It’s often intended as a private signal to express attraction without verbalizing it. Playful or Teasing Gesture: Some people use this as a lighthearted or teasing gesture, without necessarily implying anything romantic. The intent could simply be to provoke a reaction or create a sense of intimacy. Unintentional or Nervous Habit: Sometimes, a person may scratch another’s palm unintentionally, especially if they’re nervous or fidgety. It may not carry any deeper meaning. Cultural or Symbolic Meaning: In certain cultures, this gesture might carry specific symbolic or traditional meanings. It’s a good idea to consider the cultural context to understand its significance fully. Consider Context: Setting: A casual or personal setting might lean toward playful or romantic intentions, while in a formal or professional environment, it might be considered inappropriate. Relationship: If the two people are already close, it might be more likely to indicate flirtation. If they are strangers, it could be misinterpreted or even uncomfortable. Body Language: Other accompanying cues (eye contact, smile, tone of voice) can provide clues about the intent behind the gesture. If you’re uncertain or uncomfortable with such a gesture, it’s okay to address it directly or set boundaries to ensure you’re both on the same page.

Have you ever tripped on a curb or stubbed your toe on the sidewalk? It can happen to anyone, right? Navigating the world can sometimes be trying, even for those with perfect vision. Now, let’s try to imagine how much more difficult it would be if you were visually impaired or blind. Individuals who are visually impaired often rely on a cane to avoid bumping into objects. They may have a specially trained service dog to guide them safely. However, there is now a cutting-edge solution available to assist those who are visually impaired or blind. Just picture having a pair of shoes with built-in advanced technology that can warn you when you’re approaching obstacles. Things such as curbs, parked cars, other pedestrians, or anything else in your path. Think of it as having a sensor in your car that alerts you to potential blind spots, proximity to other vehicles, or the edge of the road. Not only is this ingenious, but it grants the visually impaired a new lease on life Tec-Innovation, an Austrian company, has developed an innovative solution known as InnoMake. InnoMake is a pair of shoes designed specifically for visually impaired individuals. These remarkable shoes come with a built-in sensor that detects obstacles and alerts the wearer through sound or vibration feedback. The sensor fits comfortably into a designated slot within the shoes. Its range extends up to an impressive distance of 13 feet, which provides ample time for users to react and adjust their path accordingly. To ensure ease of use, the shoes have a rechargeable battery that boasts an impressive lifespan of up to one week before needing to be recharged. When the battery runs low, it can be fully charged within three hours, allowing users to rely on the shoes consistently. Image Credit: Tech Innovation YouTube This smart advancement from Tec-Innovation offers visually impaired individuals an extra layer of safety and independence as they navigate their surroundings, reducing the risk of potential accidents and improving their overall mobility.

Jealousy is often cloaked in seemingly innocent remarks that can be both confusing and hurtful. These phrases, while appearing harmless, often carry underlying resentment or criticism. Here are 20 subtle phrases commonly used by jealous people, explained in depth with insights on their hidden meanings and how to handle them. 1. “You’re so lucky!” On the surface, this phrase might appear to celebrate your success. However, when spoken by a jealous individual, it often implies that your achievements are due to chance rather than effort or skill. The underlying intent is to minimize the hard work, dedication, or talent you’ve invested. By attributing success to luck, the jealous person avoids acknowledging the gap between your accomplishments and their own efforts, making them feel better about themselves. How to Respond: A polite but assertive response like, “Thank you, but it did take a lot of effort and planning,” can help clarify the truth. This allows you to highlight your hard work without engaging in conflict, setting boundaries for future interactions. 2. “I could have done that if I wanted to.” This phrase is a classic way for jealous people to dismiss your achievements. It suggests that your success isn’t special or unique, as they claim they could easily replicate it had they tried. Such statements often stem from insecurity. The jealous person attempts to downplay your success to feel superior or equal. It’s their way of denying the reality that your determination and skills led you to accomplish something they haven’t. How to Respond: Maintain humility by replying, “I’m sure you could; it’s always rewarding to give it a try.” This neutral response encourages them to focus on their own potential rather than diminishing yours. 3. “Must be nice to have everything handed to you.” When jealous individuals use this phrase, they project their assumptions onto your situation. They suggest that you didn’t work for your accomplishments and instead relied on external privileges or advantages. This phrase is a passive-aggressive way of invalidating your struggles and effort. It reflects their envy and internal frustration, as they might feel entitled to the same success without understanding the challenges you faced. How to Respond: Gently correct the misconception by saying, “It’s been a journey with its fair share of challenges, but I’m grateful for how it’s turned out.” This response avoids confrontation while affirming your effort.   4. “Not everyone has that kind of support.” This phrase is often framed as an observation, but its subtext carries envy. The speaker implies that your achievements are solely due to external factors, such as financial support, family connections, or social privilege. The jealous person uses this statement to dismiss your individuality and hard work, attributing your success to circumstances they believe are beyond your control. How to Respond: Acknowledge the sentiment while affirming your role: “That’s true, and I’m fortunate for the support I’ve had, but I also worked really hard to make the most of it.” This response balances gratitude and self-assurance. 5. “You’ve changed.” While growth and evolution are natural parts of life, this phrase is often used by jealous individuals to criticize your success indirectly. Instead of celebrating your progress, they frame it as a negative change, implying you’ve become less relatable or authentic. This comment often reflects their discomfort with the distance your achievements have created between you. They might feel left behind and express their jealousy by questioning your character. How to Respond: Acknowledge their feelings without conceding: “Growth can feel like change, but I’m still the same at heart. I hope we can grow together.” This approach fosters understanding while maintaining your boundaries. 6. “I wouldn’t have done it that way.” Jealous individuals may criticize your methods or decisions to shift focus away from your success. This phrase subtly undermines your accomplishments by implying there was a better way to achieve them. Such statements often reflect their insecurities, as they attempt to establish superiority by positioning themselves as more knowledgeable or skilled. How to Respond: Thank them for their perspective without conceding to their criticism: “That’s an interesting take. I’m glad this way worked out for me.” This response shows confidence without engaging in unnecessary debate. 7. “You think you’re better than everyone else now.” This accusatory phrase is a projection of their insecurities. By framing your confidence as arrogance, they attempt to justify their jealousy and shift blame onto you. In reality, this comment is less about your behavior and more about their feelings of inadequacy in comparison to your success. How to Respond: Reassure them while standing firm: “I don’t see it that way. I believe in celebrating everyone’s journey, including yours.” This response redirects the focus to mutual respect. 8. “You’re not even that good at it.” This phrase is a direct attempt to diminish your success and lower your confidence. Jealous people might say this to make you second-guess your abilities or accomplishments. The intent is to undermine your self-esteem by suggesting your success is undeserved. This can create doubt in your mind, making you feel you need to work harder to prove yourself—even if you’ve already excelled. How to Respond: Counter their negativity with calm confidence: “I appreciate your perspective, but I’m proud of the progress I’ve made.” By standing firm, you reject their attempt to bring you down. 9. “I liked you better before.” This phrase suggests that your growth or success has changed you for the worse. It’s a passive-aggressive way to express jealousy, implying that your achievements have made you less likable or relatable. Jealous individuals might use this to guilt-trip you into feeling bad about your progress, especially if they feel left behind. How to Respond: Reassure them while maintaining your boundaries: “I’m sorry you feel that way. I value our connection and hope you can see this as growth, not change.” This approach keeps the conversation respectful without sacrificing your pride. 10. “Anyone could have done that.” This phrase is meant to trivialize your success, making it seem … Read more

1. Physical Attraction: Does Height Matter in Romance? Height has often been considered an important factor in physical attraction. Many people have preferences when it comes to the height of their potential partners, but does this preference have any real significance when it comes to relationships? Why It Matters: Cultural and societal influences often place taller individuals on a pedestal, associating them with traits like strength and confidence. Meanwhile, shorter individuals are sometimes stereotyped as less dominant or powerful. Impact on Relationships: Despite societal preferences, many couples demonstrate that height does not dictate the success of a relationship. Attraction is multi-dimensional, and people often find themselves drawn to personalities, shared values, and emotional connections, rather than just physical features like height. 2. Confidence and Self-Esteem: How Height Affects Personal Perception One’s height can have a significant impact on how they feel about themselves. People of different heights often experience varying levels of self-esteem based on how society views them. Why This Happens: Taller individuals may be perceived as more authoritative or confident, which can boost their self-esteem. On the other hand, shorter individuals may face challenges in certain environments that prioritize height. The Consequence: While height can influence self-perception, it is essential to remember that confidence and self-worth come from within. Overcoming societal pressures and embracing one’s unique qualities can lead to better mental well-being and self-assurance. 3. Height and Gender Roles: Stereotypes and Expectations Society often holds different expectations for men and women based on their height. For example, tall men are often seen as more masculine, while shorter women may feel pressure to date taller men. Why It Happens: Cultural norms often link height to power and authority. This creates a dynamic where men are expected to be taller, and women are encouraged to find taller partners. The Impact: These stereotypes can put undue pressure on people, especially in relationships, and may cause them to feel inadequate or overly concerned with their height. Embracing equality in relationships and breaking away from these stereotypes can foster healthier connections. 4. Height in Social Situations: How Tall People Are Perceived Tall individuals often find themselves in social situations where they stand out, both positively and negatively. The height difference can influence social dynamics in subtle and not-so-subtle ways. Why It Happens: Tall people may often be seen as leaders, given their physical stature. This can lead to them being thrust into roles of responsibility or authority more frequently. The Consequence: While standing out can be an advantage in certain situations, it can also lead to social pressure, isolation, or misjudgments based on assumptions about their abilities or personality. 5. Height and Professional Success: The Impact of Height on Career Growth Height can also have an impact on one’s professional life. Many studies have suggested that taller individuals are more likely to be promoted and are seen as more authoritative. Why It Happens: Taller individuals are often associated with leadership qualities and are assumed to possess more power or capability. This can affect their career progression, often in ways that shorter individuals may not experience. The Consequence: Shorter individuals may need to work harder to prove their capabilities and break through certain professional barriers. However, it is important to recognize that success is ultimately determined by skills, work ethic, and resilience, not height. 6. Height in Sports: Does Being Tall Give You an Advantage? In certain sports, height can provide a clear advantage. Basketball and volleyball, for instance, tend to favor taller athletes, while other sports, such as gymnastics, may place a premium on shorter, more compact bodies. Why This Happens: In sports like basketball, taller players have a natural advantage in terms of reach and dunking ability. Conversely, shorter athletes in sports like gymnastics or horse racing often have an edge in terms of agility and flexibility. The Consequence: The impact of height in sports underscores how certain physical attributes can influence performance in different fields. However, dedication, training, and strategy play significant roles regardless of height. 7. Height and Health: The Correlation Between Height and Lifespan Studies have indicated that height can correlate with certain health outcomes, including lifespan and susceptibility to certain conditions. Why This Happens: Taller individuals may face a higher risk of certain diseases, such as cancer, due to the number of cells in their bodies. On the other hand, shorter individuals may have a lower risk of heart disease and high blood pressure. The Consequence: While height can play a role in health risks, it is only one factor among many. Lifestyle choices such as diet, exercise, and stress management are more significant predictors of long-term health than height alone. 8. The Science of Height: Why We’re Wired to Care About Height Our preference for height may be rooted in evolutionary psychology. Historically, taller individuals may have been viewed as more capable of providing protection or resources. Why This Happens: Evolutionary biology suggests that we are wired to gravitate toward certain physical traits that were once seen as indicators of survival and strength. Height was one such indicator. The Consequence: While these evolutionary biases may still exist in our subconscious, modern relationships are more focused on emotional intelligence, compatibility, and mutual respect, rather than physical attributes like height. 9. Height Differences in Relationships: How to Embrace Your Partner’s Height When there is a height difference between partners, it can be an exciting and unique aspect of the relationship. Embracing this difference can lead to greater acceptance and appreciation of one another’s uniqueness. Why It Happens: Height differences can be charming and add a sense of balance in a relationship. The key is not to let height differences define the dynamics of the relationship but to celebrate the individuality of both partners. The Consequence: Relationships are about mutual respect and shared experiences. Focusing on the emotional and intellectual connections will help individuals move beyond physical differences and build stronger bonds.   10. Overcoming Height Insecurities: Embrace Who You Are Height insecurities are common, but overcoming them is essential for self-esteem and mental health. Accepting oneself, regardless … Read more

Maybe you have stumbled across some mysterious object while cleaning out an older relative’s house. Or, you may have inherited something from a grandparent that you cannot make head or tails of. There is only one way to satisfy our curiosity during such situations, and that is to ask the Internet. It has never been easier to get the answers, when earlier we may have had to scour through physical books and get on a call with experts. Here are 12 objects whose identities left the people asking shocked: 1. Beautiful Bubble Image Credits: Reddit Question: Insanely heavy glass with (bubbles?) inside, the inscription says 1978. Any idea what this is or just a random decoration item? Answer (by u/NightmareResolved): Looks like a paperweight. This is typically one of the first things a student will make when learning glass blowing. The bubbles are created as the glass gathers folds over itself. Ultimately one tries to avoid creating bubbles in most cases. 2. Wooden Instrument Image Credits: Reddit Question: A thick round wooden stick with a cylindrical structure on one end. Answer (by u/dvdmaven): Possibly used with a Singing Bell. I have one. You rub the stick lightly around the edge and the bell starts vibrating. You might have seen the same effect with wine glasses. 3. Sphere Inside A Wooden Case Image Credits: Reddit Question: Weird glass ball, suspended by screws, in a metal frame, bronze or gold color in appearance. Answer (by u/tharookery): It is a Campbell-Stokes sunshine recorder. You place a strip of card into one set of grooves in the piece that curves behind the sphere, point the opposite side of the sphere towards the equator, and the sphere will focus the sunlight to burn a track on the card. The card has hours marked, and the more the card is burnt, the brighter the sunlight is. 4. Handling Glass Image Credits: Reddit Question: Found a stainless steel object when cleaning out a lab space. Has an “H” on a diamond stamp. Answer (by u/JJ_00ne): It’s a glass tube cutter! Used it many times in the chemistry lab. 5. Leather Flowers Image Credits: Reddit Question: This thing is made of leather, and about 15” in length. Any ideas? Answer (by u/kicktree500): It looks like a decorative tassel from a purse. Also, u/fubooze found the specific purse model: MARC JACOBS Goatskin Leather Medium Quilted Grommet Nomad Hobo Brown 6. Special Ring Image Credits: Reddit Question: I found this ring in my backyard while doing gardening. After cleaning it, it doesn’t look like a normal ring. Any ideas? Answer (by u/batbrat): It’s a Georgian/early Victorian mourning ring. The initials belong to the lost loved one. They were typically made from gold (18k+) and enameled in black. Yours looks like it was made around the 1820s-40s. 7. Leaning Glass Image Credits: Reddit Question: Going through old kitchen wares in my boyfriend’s grandparents’ house. Found a glass votive of some kind with a coil attached. Hasn’t been touched in decades, what is this? Answer (by u/MothTheLamplighter): It’s a whiskey/cigar holder, as someone else said, but this is how it works. You’d rest the bottle’s neck on the coil and pour, turning the glass as you pour to coat the glass’ interior, allowing aromas to release, and to help warm the liquor your lit cigar can sit in the coil to assist the warming, or just for storage. 8. Porcelain Package Image Credits: Reddit Question: Lidded porcelain item with a small spoon and what seems to be a spot for a heat source. Answer (by u/CheerioMissPancake): It’s a mini chafing dish. A tea light goes in the spot in the frame and then whatever you want to keep warm goes in the pot. Based on its size, I’d say for a dip or maybe gravy. 9. Glass-craft Image Credits: Reddit Question: What is this thing I inherited from my grandparents, what I know is that it’s Scandinavian, over 40 years old, made of glass, spoon-shaped, hollow, and about 1m tall. Answer (by u/MusicianPristine8973): Apparently called a “glasslev” which Google translates to glass ladle. 10. Weird Wooden Box Image Credits: Reddit Question: What is this antique handmade wooden box with slants and grates? Answer (by u/KryptosBC): Curved corner pieces like these are often put in compartments to make it easy to grab small pieces (coins, corn, acorns, buttons, etc) that would otherwise get stuck in the corners. Cash register drawer coin pockets are a good example. Perhaps this was used for bolts, nuts, and washers in some settings? 11. Car Parts Image Credits: Reddit Question: Clips or springs found in a junk drawer in Ohio. Appears to be made of stainless steel. Penny is in the photo for scale. As seen in the lower right, loses shape when compressed on the ends. Perhaps I compressed in the wrong direction. Not sure if I need to keep them for anything important. Answer (by u/velifer): These are unused springs from the brake pads of a car (do you own a Subaru?) There is often a second set that ships with replacement pads, but those end up in the junk drawer. 12. Lucky Charm Image Credits: Reddit Question: Found this small object while cleaning a couch. Gold in color, made of very thin material, see-through in places. Answer (by u/MaryN6FBB110117): It’s a feng shui ‘lucky talisman’. Like these ones. Or a Japanese Omamori card. Either way, it’s a good luck token.

Clogged arteries are a dangerous business. They can cause many health issues, the most dangerous of those being high blood pressure and heart attack. But how do you figure out that your arteries might be clogged before things get bad or need medical intervention? Pay attention to your body: These are the signs of clogged arteries that you might not be noticing. 10 Warning Signs of Clogged Arteries Credit: Shutterstock Arteries are the blood vessels that carry oxygenated blood throughout your body. They carry this blood to your brain, to all the major and minor organs of your body, to your muscles, and even all the way down to the tips of your fingers and toes. In healthy arteries, the blood flows freely through them because they have smooth walls and are free of obstructions. Clogged arteries, however, have built-up plaques on their walls. These plaques reduce blood flow and can even block it altogether, leading to a heart attack. Knowing the Signs Credit: Shutterstock Knowing the early signs of clogged arteries is crucial to resolve the problem before it poses such a significant risk to your health. Thankfully, you can improve clogged arteries with some simple diet and exercise interventions. If they are quite heavily clogged or you have a family history of heart problems, your doctor may also put you on some medications to help keep your arteries in check. If you have any of these ten warning signs of clogged arteries, see your doctor right away to come up with a plan to improve them. (2) Nausea Credit: Shutterstock Realistically, what condition isn’t nausea a symptom of? One of our body’s most astute ways of telling us something is wrong is by making us nauseous. Of course, just because you’re feeling nauseous doesn’t mean you have clogged arteries. Still, if it is ongoing you should go talk to your doctor about it. Chest Pain Credit: Shutterstock Chest pain is also known as angina. It results from reduced blood flow to the heart because of built-up plaque in the arteries that lead to it. Angina usually begins in the chest by the breast bone and then can extend into your left arm or shoulder, jaw, and upper back. If you are experiencing ongoing chest tightness and pain, speak with your doctor immediately. Shortness of breath Credit: Shutterstock If you are experiencing shortness of breath, this could be because your pulmonary arteries are clogged. While it is normal to feel short of breath after climbing the stairs or a physical effort, if it is more than usual, ongoing, and especially if it is when you are sedentary, you should have it looked at. Weakness or numbness in one side of your body Credit: Shutterstock If blood flow is restricted or cut off in your carotid arteries, it could cause you to experience weakness or numbness on one side of your body. The carotid arteries are those that carry blood from the heart to the head and are located on either side of the neck. They both split into two branches, one that carries blood to the brain and eyes and the other that takes it to the face, tongue, and outside parts of the head. Slurring of words  Credit: Shutterstock Slurring your words could be a symptom of a number of conditions. One of those is that your carotid arteries are blocked. This could either be the interior branch that carries blood to the brain, or the exterior branch that takes it to the tongue. Vision Loss Credit: Shutterstock Vision loss is a symptom of a clogged exterior branch of the carotid artery. This could be in one or both eyes. If you are experiencing sudden decreased capacity to see or blurred vision, see your doctor right away. Leg pain Credit: Shutterstock There are a million and one reasons why you could be experiencing leg pain. One of these reasons could be clogged peripheral arteries. These are the arteries in your legs and arms. Pain in one leg with no other explanation such as an injury could mean you have a clogged artery. Cold feet  Credit: Shutterstock When blood can’t travel freely through your body, your extremities will get cold. Cold feet could mean that blood flow is blocked or restricted in your legs so that it is not reaching your feet properly. This could be a sign of a blocked peripheral artery. Delayed healing of injuries of the feet Credit: Shutterstock This goes along with the unexplained cold feet. Injuries need blood to heal. If the blood is not flowing there, or not flowing there sufficiently, these injuries will heal slowly or not at all. If you notice that injuries in your feet or lower legs are not healing as they should talk to your doctor. Heart palpitations Credit: Shutterstock Truthfully, anytime you notice changes in your heart rate, you should see your doctor. When your heart beat suddenly becomes noticeable, heart palpitations could be a sign that blood is not flowing the way it should. This can feel like a heart pounding, fluttering, or beating irregularly. It will usually last for just a few seconds or minutes. It is possible that you will feel these sensations in your neck or throat, as well. The Bottom Line Credit: Shutterstock Being aware of the symptoms of clogged arteries, as well as other health conditions, isn’t to make you into a hypochondriac. Rather, it is to protect you. Awareness and being brave enough to seek medical advice when you notice signs and symptoms can save your life or that of someone you love. Take your symptoms seriously and talk to a doctor. Disclaimer: This information is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment and is for information only. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about your medical condition and/or current medication. Do not disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking advice or treatment because of something … Read more