When this little girl introduces her animal pal, Rat, most people are not expecting an emu! Reptile Junction, an exotic pet store in Arizona, shared the sweetest video of their tiniest “employee” hanging out with her feathered friend. Although this bird was pretty big compared to the small child, she wasn’t scared at all. In fact, she was clearly very attached to the creature! As the toddler presented Rat to the camera, she seemed to have a couple of misconceptions about the emu. First of all, she was under the impression that this animal was a male. Second, she believed that the bird had gotten her name because of her brown eyes. However, Reptile Junction cleared everything up in their caption. @reptilejunction Come on in and snap a photo with Rat! Who is actually a girl and named after the ratite group. Toddlers… #petshop #petstore #az #reptilesforsale #reptilejunction #exotics #monday ♬ original sound – ReptileJunctionAZ “Come on in and snap a photo with Rat!” they wrote. “Who is actually a girl and named after the ratite group.” Despite being slightly misinformed, this little girl was clearly very fond of the emu. “I love him,” she said, affectionately petting the bird’s feathers. As it turns out, Rat is a friend to many. Apparently, Rat the emu comes to visit Reptile Junction every Monday. In another video, the pet store demonstrated how they transport the bird from her outdoor enclosure into the building. A lot of effort goes into making the shop comfortable for their feathered friend. For example, they have to make sure her food is already prepared for her when she arrives. Then, someone has to guide her directly from her pen to the store’s entrance. @reptilejunction Behind the scenes of our Monday Madness. Every Monday you can come hang out with our Emu, Rat. While she is a large bird, she is friendly. Feel free to give her back a little scratch. If you do interact with her, please tag us in your photos or videos – we love to see it! #reptilejunction #reptiles #arizona #petstore #petshop #emu #exoticpet #exotics #thingstodo ♬ original sound – ReptileJunctionAZ Although Rat may seem a little fussy, Reptile Junction assured customers in their caption that this emu is very friendly around humans. “Feel free to give her back a little scratch,” they wrote. It says a lot about this large emu that she can be totally trusted around a toddler. What a sweet, well-behaved bird she must be! You can find the source of this story’s featured image here. The post Toddler Shows Off Her Unusual Friend, “Rat” — And No, He’s Not A Rodent! appeared first on InspireMore.

When you’re with the person you want to be with forever, you just know. Figuring out the best way to propose to them, however, can be a bit trickier. There are so many ways to do it! Some like to have their proposal be private while others prefer a theatrical display of love. While some are heavily involved in what the proposal will be like, other times, the person getting proposed to isn’t involved at all. This brings us to a woman named Peri. When she, her boyfriend, and a friend went out in a field, Peri had no idea what was to come. With a giant bubble blower in hand, she was having the time of her life, frolicking around. Unfortunately for her boyfriend, the bubbles were the perfect distraction for his secret proposal plan… see this hilarious moment in the video below! View this post on Instagram A post shared by Baddiemedia (@baddiemedia) No matter how hard this sweet guy tries to quietly get Peri’s attention, she simply does not notice. Entranced by the beautiful bubbles, and distracted by their friend, Peri manages to miss her boyfriend’s attempted proposal. This makes the camera person laugh, but Peri doesn’t think twice about what’s causing the laughter. Bubbles Hilariously Distract Woman From Her Boyfriend’s Proposal Attempt “The way she doesn’t even know she’s running away from her own proposal is sending me,” someone writes in the comments, with another adding, “It’s like he’s trying to catch a Pokémon.” @lemony_sniffit Replying to @theprettyfaguette ok ok !! here’s the rest of the video but no one come for me about my initial reaction because I was honestly confused at first & CLEARLY oblivious in my own world !!! I just needed a lil time to process what even happened hehe we feel very blessed ty for all the love and kindness shared #proposal #engaged #wedding #viral #bubbles ♬ Beautiful Boy Edit – ?????????? Although it took a few tries, this sweet guy finally found his moment to propose — you can check that video out at this link! “Here’s the rest of the video, but no one come for me about my initial reaction because I was honestly confused at first & CLEARLY oblivious in my own world!!!” Peri admits. “I just needed a lil time to process what even happened hehe we feel very blessed. [Thank you] for all the love and kindness shared.” You can find the source of this story’s featured image here! The post Clueless Woman Whimsically Blows Bubbles In A Field While Boyfriend Unsuccessfully Attempts A Proposal appeared first on InspireMore.

The days of the week, as we know them today, trace their origins back to the ancient Romans and were later adapted by Germanic peoples who named each day after their gods and celestial bodies. Monday, in particular, derives from the Old English Monandæg, which means “Moon’s day,” reflecting the connection to the lunar deity. In many cultures, Monday was historically viewed as a day of renewal following Sunday, but as societies became more industrialized, it grew to symbolize something else: the beginning of the workweek. Today, Monday is perhaps the most universally dreaded day of the week, representing the The post 10 Best Songs About Mondays appeared first on ClassicRockHistory.com.

The post Stomach Cancer in Cats: Our Vet Explains the Causes, Signs & Care by Dr. Samantha Devine DVM (Veterinarian) appeared first on Catster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren't considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Catster.com. Click to Skip Ahead Overview Signs Causes Diagnosis Care Guide FAQ Your cat is losing weight and withdrawn, so you schedule a veterinary appointment. Your veterinarian suggests several diagnostic tests that point to your cat having stomach cancer. Let’s look at stomach cancer in cats and the options available to treat it. What Is Stomach Cancer in Cats? Leiomyosarcoma is a cancer occurring in the stomach of cats and the intestines. It is not a common neoplasia (cancer), but it is aggressive and can metastasize or spread. Other possible cancers include lymphoma and adenocarcinoma. Leiomyosarcoma specifically affects the smooth muscles throughout the gastrointestinal system, which use involuntary contractions to move food through the gut.  Any cat can be affected by leiomyosarcoma, but it most commonly occurs in cats older than six years of age. Image Credit: HelloRF Zcool, Shutterstock What Are the Signs of Stomach Cancer in Cats? If your cat has leiomyosarcoma, the most likely signs of this cancer involve the gastrointestinal tract. Some cats have vomiting or diarrhea. Most commonly, vomiting or diarrhea is chronic and may occur intermittently. You might notice visible blood in the stools (hematochezia) or dark, tarry stools (melena). They may start to lose weight despite your increasing feedings. You might see less apparent signs associated with stomach cancer in cats. Your cat might develop flatulence (gas), even with no changes in food, and you might hear their stomach rumbling, also called borborygmus. What Are the Causes of Stomach Cancer in Cats? Unfortunately, we don’t know what causes cats to develop leiomyosarcoma, so more research is needed. As it is less common than other cancers like lymphoma, leiomyosarcoma is not well-studied in cats. Researchers know that certain viral infections, such as feline leukemia and feline immunodeficiency virus, are linked to lymphoma. Therefore, exposure to these viruses may increase the likelihood of your cat developing cancer. Diagnosing Stomach Cancer in Your Cat If your cat isn’t feeling well and exhibits signs such as vomiting and diarrhea, your veterinarian will start with a physical exam and take a thorough history. During the exam, your veterinarian will gently palpate your cat’s abdomen to see if anything feels out of the ordinary, such as lumps, thickened intestines, or abnormally large lymph nodes. Your veterinarian might start with blood work and a fecal parasite screening test to rule out common causes of gastrointestinal distress, such as roundworms. Blood work may often be normal or reveal mild changes that don’t pinpoint a specific reason, but it is essential to rule out certain conditions. They will likely perform radiographs (X-rays) or an ultrasound, or they might refer your cat to a specialist who can perform diagnostic imaging. Endoscopy is another helpful tool, where your veterinarian can scope your cat’s stomach and take biopsy samples to evaluate for cancer cells. Image Credit: Libre, Shutterstock How Do I Care for a Cat With Stomach Cancer? If your cat is a candidate for surgery, your veterinarian may recommend surgery to remove a localized mass. The vet might refer you to a surgical or oncology specialist to develop the best action plan. Unfortunately, leiomyosarcoma can metastasize to other organs. Because of this, before surgery, your veterinarian will likely perform what Is commonly called a “met check” to look for evidence of metastasis. Typically, that involves radiographs (X-rays) and potentially an ultrasound to look for evidence of cancer spread to other organs. Your cat’s post-operative recovery will likely be at least ten to fourteen days, where they will need an Elizabethan collar or bodysuit to keep your cat from licking or chewing at their incision. In some cases, chemotherapy may be indicated. Your veterinarian and oncologist will work together to develop the best medication regimen for your cat. Your cat will likely need supportive care while they are being treated, including: Anti-nausea medications like Cerenia (maropitant) help reduce the risk of your cat vomiting. Appetite stimulants like Elura (capromorelin) Pain medication, which could be a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug like Onsior (robenacoxib) or a steroid like prednisolone as a potential adjunct to chemotherapy Your cat will likely need a diet that is easily digestible. Some diets your veterinarian could recommend include: Purina ProPlan Veterinary Diet EN Hill’s Gastrointestinal Biome Hill’s i/d Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) How common is stomach cancer in cats? Stomach cancer is considered much less common in cats than in dogs. In cases of reported neoplasia in cats, only 0.4% to 0.7% were cases of tumors associated with the stomach. Image Credit: Natali _ Mis, Shutterstock Are there other types of stomach cancer in cats? Several other cancers can affect the stomach and other areas of the gastrointestinal tract. One cancer is adenocarcinoma, which starts in the glandular tissue of the stomach and can spread. Lymphoma is another intestinal cancer in cats. It develops in lymphatic tissue and can originate or spread throughout the body. Is stomach cancer painful for cats? Stomach cancer can be painful, so your veterinarian might look at options to treat your cat’s discomfort. Many chemotherapy protocols utilize prednisolone, a steroid, which can also relieve some discomfort and pain. You must not give a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory like Onsior or meloxicam if your cat takes a steroid due to the risk of gastric ulcers and other complications. Signs that your cat could be in pain include: Inappetance Withdrawn behavior Abnormal vocalizing Excessive grooming leading to hair loss Aggression Conclusion While stomach cancer is not common in cats, it is a potential cause of weight loss, vomiting, and diarrhea. Leiomyosarcoma is a cancer of the stomach and intestinal smooth muscles. Treatment typically involves surgical removal of the mass if it has not spread, although your veterinarian might recommend chemotherapy as an option, especially if there is evidence of cancer metastasis. Other treatments involve highly digestible diets and symptomatic treatment, such as anti-nausea medication, as needed. Sources https://www.vetmedutah.com/post/stomach-cancer-in-cats https://www.huntersville.carolinavet.com/site/huntersville-veterinary-blog/2020/11/20/stomach-cancer-in-cats-symptoms-treatment https://www.ahna.net/site/blog-asheville-vet/2020/11/25/stomach-intestinal-cancer-in-cats-leiomyosarcoma Featured Image Credit: Tyler Olson, Shutterstock The post Stomach Cancer in Cats: Our Vet Explains the Causes, Signs & Care by Dr. Samantha Devine DVM (Veterinarian) appeared first on Catster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren't considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Catster.com.

Learn how to make a popcorn garland to put on your Christmas tree for some traditional festivity. This is a very simple holiday craft you can make in no time at all – plus who doesn’t love DIY Christmas decoration? How To Make A Popcorn Garland In 4 Easy Steps It has been a while since I’ve made some popcorn decorations for Christmas and I’m so excited to take a trip down memory lane. I can still remember when my kids and I made this DIY garland back in the day. There was barely any popcorn left since they kept munching on them! It’s a super easy craft project even kids can make, so breathe life back into this old-school Christmas tradition this year!   What You'll Need: popcorn tapestry needle heavy duty sewing thread, waxed dental floss, or fishing wire fresh cranberries (optional)   How To Make A Popcorn Garland: Step 1: Buy Or Pop Some Popcorn Buy or pop some popcorn. Leave it out for 24 to 48 hours since freshly popped popcorn has a tendency to break easily.   Step 2: Put A Thread In Your Needle Put a heavy duty thread on your needle. You can also use either fishing wire or waxed dental floss. Then, tie a fat knot at one end of the string.   Don't let rainy days dampen your spirit! Make your own rainbow indoors, like this fruit print craft! More fun indoor activities are waiting for you on our site (link in bio). Happy homesteading! A post shared by Homesteading (@homesteadingusa) on Jun 26, 2017 at 3:21am PDT   Step 3: Start Stringing The Popcorn | Begin stringing! Push the needle straight to the center of each popcorn piece and carefully push it to the edge of the thread before adding another one. If you wish to add cranberries to it, string the popcorn and cranberries alternately.   Step 4: Reach Your Desired Length | Keep stringing until you’ve reached your desired length, then tie a knot at the end of your thread to hold the garland together. Now all that’s left to do is string it up in your home or around your Christmas tree, and you’re done!   Some Things To Remember: If you want to use a microwave popcorn, buy the one that doesn’t have butter and salt. If you’re going to use cranberries, wear old clothes and lay out drop cloths since the juice can stain. Alternate it with your popcorn.   Want to see how it’s made? Check out this video tutorial from FaveCrafts: Super fun and easy! Can’t wait to spend some time with my grandkids stringing popcorn and cranberries! Create this festive popcorn garland for your Christmas tree and experience the festive beauty of traditional decoration. What do you think of this tutorial on how to make popcorn garland? Will you give it a try? We're excited to know! Let us know in the comments section below. Up Next: 23 Stunningly Beautiful DIY Homemade Christmas Ornaments Follow us on Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest, and Facebook!   Editor’s Note: This post was originally published in November 2016 and has been updated for quality and relevancy.

This content is for members only. Visit the site and log in/register to read. The post Story of a Child Who Claims to Be the Reincarnation of a Murdered Uncle appeared first on Anomalien.com.

Scientists from the University of California, San Diego (UCSD) have discovered that meditation reduces pain not just through the placebo effect but by actually altering how the brain perceives pain. The study was published in Biological Psychiatry. Meditation, a practice where individuals observe their thoughts and emotions without judgment, has roots in Buddhist and Hindu traditions but is increasingly studied for its health benefits. In this study, researchers aimed to understand how meditation influences pain perception. They recruited 115 healthy participants, dividing them into four groups: one group practiced meditation, another did sham meditation (deep breathing), a third used a placebo cream, and a fourth listened to an audiobook as a control. Participants were exposed to painful heat on their legs, with brain activity scanned via MRI before and after the procedure. Results showed meditation reduced pain by altering brain responses to the painful stimulus, affecting three key aspects: intensity (nociception-specific pain signature, NPS), emotional response (negative affective pain signature, NAP), and psychosocial factors (stimulus-independent pain signature, SIIPS-1). In contrast, the placebo cream only influenced psychosocial factors, highlighting the different mechanisms of meditation and the placebo effect. “Our findings show meditation genuinely changes how pain is processed in the brain, not just through a placebo effect,” said lead author Fadel Zeidan, an anesthesiologist. “This could lead to new treatments for chronic pain, offering relief to millions.” Researchers hope to further explore meditation’s potential for use in clinical medicine. The post Meditation Provides True Pain Relief by Altering Brain Perception appeared first on Anomalien.com.

As someone who continues to skate well into their twenties, I know a thing or two about kickflips, 50-50s, and the like. And by extension, I also know a thing or two about skating games.

Americans have a responsibility to be civically engaged in their communities and when it comes to solving social challenges, faith-based communities have the best track record, according to Stacy Blakeley,…